Kashmiri Sikh singer Manjeet Kaur shines in Sufi Music Farzana Bashir
Srinagar: In order to promote communal harmony among two communities, a female Sikh singer in Srinagar has set on a journey to sing sufi and cultural songs in Kashmiri language to connect with the audience emotionally.
Hailing from Chanapora area of Srinagar, Manjeet started singing sufi songs and bajans before two years, in 2018. Since then, she has produced and released twelve music songs in her voice, while eight songs are yet to be released.
Manjeet has been interested in singing Sufi songs, as she says, the sufi music reflects rich musical heritage and cultural legacy.
Being a teacher by profession and posted in remote village of Budgam district, Manjeet says that her passion for music goes beyond all barriers.
“I’ve to travel two hours in a day to attend music classes in Bemina. After school, I straight away rush for my music classes”. Manjeet told News Kashmir
Unlike other singers who sing to earn money, Manjeet spends her salary to make music albums , “I’ve never thought about making money through music, instead I spend my own money on making different music albums for the greater cause of unity”, she said.
Manjeet has been fond of music since childhood, she has also done her PG in musics but unable to find any musical teachers around, she had to take a break from her passion due to the lack of guidance.
“I was interested in music since my childhood but due to lack of music teacher in the city I could not continue singing. One needs a teacher to nurture who could nurture his skills .I used to participate in different events in school ” she added.
However, after few years, Manjeet was filled with joy and happiness after coming to know about the music- teacher in Srinagar city’s uptown, Bemina.
“I started taking music classes soon after coming to know about the teacher, guiding and grooming student having fond of music”, said Manjeet.
Mother of two children, Manjeet calls her luckly to get good support of her husband towards pursuing her passion of music.
“My husband supported me all through my journey of music. He never questioned my passion, and time which I used to spent during music classes”, she says.
Manjeet recalls how her family and teacher supported her and stood by her side when everyone else mocked her.
“I was saddened when few of my friends made fun of my passion , but I didn’tgive up on my dream of becoming a good singer. I proved them wrong finally” she said.
Manjeet is looking forward to making more albums and bringing back peace, love and brotherhood to Kashmir through music.
