Srinagar, May 5: A young boy from Kunzer in Tangmarg on Tuesday marked his entry into the Kashmiri music platform with the release of his Sufi song titled “Deedar’as Praran Chuss’, at INOX Srinagar.
The devotional Kashmiri folk composition reflects spiritual depth and the region’s rich cultural heritage. Penned by noted lyricist Sheikh Shabaan, the song captures the essence of traditional Kashmiri Sufi expression, resonating with themes of devotion and inner awakening. Originally created and performed by Rashid Jahangir, the latest version has been reimagined by emerging artist Rehaan Farooq, featuring vocals by Mehreen Malik. “The new rendition aims to retain the soul of the original composition while introducing a contemporary musical appeal,” RJ Umar Nisar, who has directed and produced the song, told Greater Kashmir.
The video portrays a narrative of self-discovery, tracing the journey of a young dreamer who nurtures a vision, hones his craft, and ultimately returns with a distinct identity and purpose as an artist. The releasing event at INOX Srinagar was attended by local artists and music enthusiasts. Besides live performances by Rehaan and Mehreen, local artists including Rasik Bhat and Mehmeet Syed also performed at the event to enthrall the audiences. Rehaan Farooq is a class 8th student of Muhammadiya High School Kunzer.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, his father Farooq Ahmad said Rehaan used to participate in school functions and his video was uploaded on social media where he was seen singing. “He also performed at SKICC last year with Singer Gulzar Ahmad Ganai (he is maternal uncle of his mother). After that RJ Umar Nisar came to our home and worked on his talent and his first song was released on big screen,” Farooq Ahmad told Greater Kashmir. “We are supporting him in this journey,” he said. The screening event was attended by educationist and owner of INOX Srinagar Vijay Dhar. Besides, MLA Lal Chowk Ehsan Pardesi and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and Deputy Director Directorate of Information and Public Relations Shahnawaz Bukhari were also present at the occasion.
In his address at the occasion, Vijay Dhar congratulated the production team and appreciated them for finding the young talent. “Rehaan has such a beautiful voice. He will achieve new heights if he gets proper guidance,” Dhar said. Vijay Dhar said Kashmir was full of talent but people are unaware about it. “Most of us have forgotten our own language. The poetry in our Kashmiri language is fantastic,” he said. He further said that Delhi Public School (DPS) was reviving Kashmiri language by bringing out Kashmir music and songs. “We proudly say that we are reviving Kashmiri language in our school,” he said. He further invited local Kashmiri film makers to feature their films at INOX Srinagar. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo said the song has beautifully picturised village life. “The production team has done a commendable job. Rehaan and Mehreen have sung it well and I hope this song goes well,” he said. He said that some of the songs sung by local singers have got popularity across the country. “Our singing got popularity with the fame earned by our local singers. I hope Rehaan Farooq also gets popularity across,” he said. MLA Ahsan Pardesi said that corporate houses and businessmen should come forward to help our budding artists. Kashmir is full of talent, we need to identify them, nurture them and provide them proper platforms,” he said.
