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Category: INTERVIEWS/PROFILES

Published: 01 December 2018

• Artists pay musical tributes to legendary singer Raj Begum, Rashid Farash

SRINAGAR: Various artists on Saturday paid musical tribute to legendary singer, Raj Begum and noted folk singer, Abdul Rashid Farash during a function held here at the auditorium of Information Department. The event was organized by Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL) in collaboration with Awaaz—Voice of Artist and Art lovers of Kashmir and Department of Information and Public Relations.

Prominent artists including Munir Ahmad Mir, Raja Bilal, Shazia Hamid, Zahida Taranum mesmerized the audience with the famous songs of legendary singer and Padamashree awardee, Raj Begum and Abdul Rashid Farash. Noted musician and composer, Prof Muzafar Ahmad Bhat arranged the music for the event. “Raj Begum is the first female singer who braved all odds to come out and perform professionally. She kept music alive among womenfolk. It was only because of her efforts, women singers started pursuing music as a career,” Prof Bhat said. “This is a humble musical tribute to artists like Raj Begum ji and Farash sahib to remember and recall their contribution in the field of music,” he said.

On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Abid Rashid was the chief guest and Joint Director, Information, Kashmir, Muhammad Ashraf Hakak, Chief Editor, Urdu, JKAACL Muhammad Ashraf Tak were also present. On the occasion, the famous singer from Chenab valley, Jehan Ara Janbaz  was bestowed with Raj Begum Women Empowerment Award for her contribution in the field of Kashmiri music and a special award for his contribution towards Kashmiri music was given away to the noted singer, Abdul Rashid Farash (posthumously).

Jehan Ara Janbaz thanked the organizers for the award. “She (Raj Begum) became a tehreek for music promotion among womenfolk and I feel blessed to receive an award in the legendary singer’s name,” she said. Singer, composer, Waheed Jeelani paying his tributes to the singers said, “We are remembering such artists who have contributed immensely to Kashmir’s music scenario. Raj Begum is the inspiration for many aspiring singers and musicians. She has set an example in the field of music.”

“Rashid Farash was my contemporary and we started our musical journey together. His soulful voice and his contribution towards music will be remembered times immemorial,” Jeelani said. Joint Director, Information, Kashmir, Muhammad Ashraf Hakak, who was present on the occasion, said that DIPR has always worked to promote the artists of the State. He said that Department’s cultural wing has contributed immensely in promoting the folk music of the valley. Noted broadcasters, Dr Rafiq Masoodi, Shabir Mujahid, Abdal Mehjoor, filmmakers, academics, journalists and writers, students, among others attended the programme.