SANJAY PANDITA
Amidst the tranquil valleys of Kashmir, where the mountains whisper secrets of the ancients and the rivers flow with melodies that echo through time, a voice was born—one destined to transcend the bounds of its birthplace and weave itself into the cultural fabric of a wider world. This voice belongs to Dr. Deepali Wattal, a luminary in the realm of classical and light music. Her journey, which began in the charming bylanes of Srinagar, has since blossomed into a remarkable odyssey, gracing the most prestigious stages with a symphony of sounds that are as timeless as the land she hails from.
From her early days, the essence of Kashmir’s rich heritage flowed through her music, capturing the spirit of a region steeped in history and tradition. With each note, Dr. Wattal breathed life into the ancient rhythms of her homeland, blending them seamlessly with the finesse of classical training. Her voice, like the rivers of her birthplace, carries with it the depth of centuries, yet it remains ever fresh, ever new—an eternal song that finds resonance in the hearts of all who listen.
As she moved from the serene landscapes of Srinagar to the grand stages of the world, Dr. Wattal’s music became a bridge—a bridge that connects the past with the present, the local with the universal. Her artistry is a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries, to unite cultures, and to speak to the soul in a language that needs no translation. Through her journey, the world has come to know the soul of Kashmir, a place where every note is a prayer, and every melody a story waiting to be told.
Born into the illustrious Wattal family, Dr.Deepali’s tryst with music began at a tender age, nurtured by the melodic inclinations of her mother and grandmother. It was as if the echoes of their songs had planted a seed deep within her, which would later blossom into an undying passion for music. At the mere age of ten, she embarked on a journey of formal training under the tutelage of Pt. Brij Krishan Shair. The foundation laid by him was further strengthened by advanced training in classical music from the revered Pt. P.N. Raina, who recognized in her the rare combination of talent and dedication required to excel in this demanding art form.
Dr.Deepali’s unwavering commitment to her craft is best reflected in her own words: “One can’t proclaim perfection in any field, and classical music demands even more perseverance.” It is this humility and relentless pursuit of excellence that led her to seek guidance from Sulekha Dharkar Bhat, an eminent classical singer of the Gwalior Gharana. For Deepali, learning is an endless journey, a continuous process that keeps her connected to the essence of music.
Her academic achievements are as remarkable as her musical journey. With a master’s degree in music from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and another in vocal music from Pracheen Kala Kendra, she further pursued her Ph.D. in ‘Folk Theatre of Kashmir’ from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh. A B.Ed from Jammu University further adds to her diverse qualifications. Today, she imparts her vast knowledge as a classical music (vocal) teacher at the Institute of Music & Fine Arts, Jammu, nurturing the next generation of musicians with the same dedication that has defined her own career.
Her voice, an “A” Grade treasure approved by Aakashwani, has enchanted audiences for over 25 years. Whether performing Urdu Ghazals or singing in her native Kashmiri, she has a unique ability to create a profound connection with her listeners, leaving them spellbound with every note. The magic she weaves is not confined to the borders of India; her performances have captivated audiences across the world.
The significance of live performances in Dr. Deepali’s career cannot be overstated. “It’s a test of your capabilities,” she says, acknowledging the thrill and challenge that comes with the instant feedback of an audience. This interaction, this shared experience of music, is what drives her to continue performing with the same enthusiasm she had when she first stepped onto a stage. Her performances are a testament to her deep involvement in the art, often described as a “soothing experience” by those fortunate enough to witness her in concert.
Dr. Deepali’s journey in the realm of music is adorned with numerous accolades and significant contributions that reflect her deep-rooted passion for Kashmiri culture. Her recognition as a distinguished artist began with the Women’s Achievers Award in 2013, followed by the prestigious State Award conferred by the Jammu & Kashmir government in 2012. Her global impact was further acknowledged through a Certificate of Appreciation from the Kashmir Bhawan Centre, Luton, England, for her outstanding contribution to Kashmiri music.
Her talents have been celebrated by various Kashmiri organizations across the country, honoring her for her exceptional work in music and culture. Notably, she was awarded by both the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister for her participation in the Republic Day Program in New Delhi in 1997. Dr. Wattal’s prowess was also recognized by the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmadabad, for her participation in the Jammu Kashmir festival, and she has consistently excelled in competitions from an early age, securing the 1st Prize in Vocal in the Children’s On-the-Spot Music Competition held by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages in 1991. Her musical journey was further enriched with certificates of merit from MAM College Jammu and the Government College for Women, Srinagar.
Dr. Deepali’s participation in international and national music festivals has been extensive. She graced the Annual Luton Mela in England, collaborating with the Dallow Community Centre and KBC Luton from 2006 to 2008. Her talent was also showcased at the Musical Festival organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in Germany in 2003. She has performed at various events organized by the North Zone Culture Centre (NZCC) Patiala and the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages across India. Her international presence was solidified with a Musical Concert organized by the Indian Embassy at Nehru Centre for Performing Arts in London in 2006, alongside multiple performances at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, and concerts across England, the United States, and various cities in India.
In terms of professional milestones, Dr.Deepali has sung over 2000 songs in various languages, including playback singing in Punjabi films such as “Main Paapi Tu Bakshanhar” and “Aur Tere Jaya Koi Ni,” as well as in Dogri and Pahari films. She is a regular singer on Radio Maeja Kasheer, an online FM radio station. Her versatility extends to composing music for albums like “Leelas of Krishan Joo Razdan Vol. 4” and “Hits of Brijnath Hali,” and her voice has enriched numerous tele-serials and programs for Doordarshan, including “Reh-Te-Aab,” “Soukh,” “Abhiman,” and “Jhankar.”
Dr.Deepali’s foray into music composition is yet another facet of her multifaceted career. Albums like ‘Leelas of Krishan Joo Vol.4’ and ‘Hits of Brijnath Hali’ bear her unique stamp, appreciated by critics and loved by audiences. Her compositions resonate with the same depth and emotional richness that characterize her singing, a reflection of her deep understanding of music as an art form.
For her outstanding contributions to music, Deepali has been honored with numerous awards and accolades. From being a recipient of the Women Achiever Award in 2013 to the prestigious State Award from the Jammu & Kashmir Government in 2010, her work has been recognized and celebrated by both government and non-government organizations. Her role as a member of various advisory boards and cultural organizations further cements her position as a leading figure in the field of music.
One of the most notable moments in her illustrious career was when she was chosen as one of the eight nationally acclaimed classical singers to perform at the Rameswaram temple in Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Here, she had the honor of reciting the Ramayana in Kashmiri, a moment that was not only a personal triumph but also a significant cultural contribution, showcasing the rich heritage of her homeland on a national stage.
Dr. Deepali’s journey is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians, a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to one’s craft. Her life and work are a reminder that while success in the arts demands hard work, it is the love for the art itself that truly sustains and propels an artist to greatness. As she continues to enchant audiences and inspire future generations, Dr.Deepali remains a shining example of the transformative power of music.
Dr. Deepali continues to captivate audiences with her recent performances, showcasing her versatility and deep connection to classical and light music. Some of her notable recent appearances include:
Ayodhya Festival – As part of the prestigious Ayodhya Festival, Dr.Deepali performed during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Lord Rama at Ayodhya. She was among the eight nationally acclaimed classical singers invited to perform at the Rameswaram Temple, where she recited the Ramayana in Kashmiri. This high-profile event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was a significant cultural contribution, highlighting her roots and the rich heritage of Kashmir.
Online Concerts and Radio Performances – In response to the growing digital platform trend, Dr. Deepali has been actively participating in online concerts and radio performances. Her regular performances on Radio MaejKasheer, an online FM radio station, have kept her connected with her global audience. These digital performances have allowed her to reach a wider audience and continue her musical journey even amidst the constraints of physical events.
Musical Tributes and Cultural Programs – Dr. Deepali has been a part of several musical tributes and cultural programs organized by institutions like the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. These performances often include renditions of traditional Kashmiri songs, ghazals, and compositions that pay homage to the cultural heritage of the region.
National and International Cultural Festivals – Continuing her tradition of international performances, Dr.Deepali has been involved in various cultural festivals and events organized by Indian cultural bodies abroad. Her recent performances in these festivals reflect her ongoing commitment to spreading Indian classical and light music across the globe.
These performances are a testament to Dr. Deepali Wattal’s enduring appeal and her ability to adapt to new formats while maintaining the integrity of her art. Her recent work continues to inspire music lovers and preserves the rich traditions of Indian classical music.
Dr. Deepali’s artistic journey is a testament to her dedication to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, both within India and on the global stage.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
