Kashmiri singer shines on national stage, inspires with folk songs

Srinagar, June 19: In December 2023, Owais Ahmad Bhat (23) learnt about a reality music show through social media and without wasting a moment registered for it.

The show titled Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash became the first biggest reality show aimed at giving folk singers a national platform to showcase their talent. Broadcast on Doordarshan, the show has received an overwhelming response from the audiences.

Owais along with other Kashmiri contestants appeared in an audition first in Srinagar and then in Mumbai. He was able to secure a coveted slot among the top 72.

A music aficionado from Srinagar's Karan Nagar locality, Owais has graduated in music from University of Rajasthan and aspires to carve a niche in music industry.

Before participating in the reality show, Owais regularly performed in music shows in Jaipur where he captivated audiences by singing Bollywood songs and elicited widespread appreciation from music lovers across the country.

Owais , however, always wanted to sing in his mother tongue aiming to promote Kashmiri folk music and take it to the next level.

"I found the reality show a best platform to showcase our rich folk music to lakhs of audiences outside Kashmir", said Owais.

Among the jury who judge the contestant include the eminent singer Kailash Kher, who mainly sings Ghazals, Sufi and folk. "He served as the Maha Guru on the show", said Owais .

The other judges were Gayatri Ashokan, Sneha Kanwalkar Pritam and Debojit Shaha. Saha was the winner of Zee TV's singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2005 challenge. Owais received much appreciation from the eminent panel of singers and musicians.

His rendition of the following Sufi song by Habba Khatoon touched the hearts of millions.

Rah Bakshtam ser Parvardigaro Tche Kyeho waatiyo Myani Marnai (Oh Allah forgive all my sins and guide me to the right path.

What purpose will be served by my demise).

The other songs which similarly captivated the audiences and spurred them to tap their feet included

Wolay kosturiye poo're maie trav neeriye

Chon pakanoi parzanovmay duriye.

(Come, my love, wander not aimlessly,

Your footsteps are recognized from afar by me).

Upon featuring in several rounds, Owais found his place among top 18 contestants before he was voted off the show last month.

“Figuring among top 18 in such a prestigious platform is no mean feat”, says a Kashmiri folk singer.

Owais said that he would continue to work hard to promote folk music music as it is an inseparable part of rich Kashmiri culture.