News Kashmir Magazine

Comedy should be within realms of Civilization : Musaib Bhat 

Kashmir’s new age comedian Musaib Bhat is winning hearts with his videos on Social Media.His latest song of Downtown Srinagar is going much viral on the internet . In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir , he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz .

Were you creative since Childhood as you entertain people a lot ?
I wanted to do things related to creativity and this inclination was in me since childhood . How did idea of doing comedy came ?

Basically , the Kashmiri people are suffering from lot of depression and problems since past many decades so I thought to relieve people of my land through my talent of making people laugh and ease their stress . My videos got huge appreciation and I never looked back.
How was family support to your talent of comedy and mimicry  ?

The family support was not much Intially and as the  time has passed the family has started to support

.You recently produced a viral song on Downtown  Srinagar ,  how did its idea came   ?Since I am from Downtown Srinagar only  and our area has rich history and heritage but we are also confronting many problems . So I penned down and sang a entertaining song on the same aspect .The feedback of the song is mind-blowing and awesome so far my best performance .
Your story on receiving call from attendant of Cancer patient on your comedy talent ?

I have received thousands of calls from people in depression and distress that they get relieved after seeing my videos and yes once wife of a cancer patient called me that his husband is great fan of my videos and eagerly awaits them so I took this feedback as motive to always make my people laugh .

You are known for your wonderful expressions , a bit about those ?

These are natural expressions that are gift of God . 

A bit about your social media journey ?

Once tik tok was banned I shifted to YouTube and Instagram, I got good response and  viewership on all platforms . 

In Kashmir we lack often quality comedy , a take on that ?

The comedy is must but it should be always within the realms of Civilization and manners . We need to make people laugh but not leave our culture and manners that is what good comedy is all about .

Your future goals ?

My future goals is to be a caring son of parents and whatever I am doing is just my hobby nothing beyond that .

Sometimes you often face negative comments too , your take on it ?

We have five fingers in our hand and all these fingers are of not same size and remember where there is positivity there is also negativity ,the criticism also helps in shaping our personality.

What would be your message to youth

?My message to the youth of Kashmir is be positive about life and don’t ever indulge in drug addiction as it is the biggest vice . We should always try to engage ourselves in good things and keep on struggling even in tough times.  We need to remember that hopelessness is not answer to any issue we face .

Would you like to fight vices like drug addiction ?

Empty mind is devil’s workshop and we in Kashmir often have no opportunities and also there is huge unemployment . These things lead to vices like drug addiction . I would definitely like to fight to eradicate menace of drug addiction.
Would you be showcasing your talent outside Kashmir ?

No I am strictly adhering to showcasing my talent for people of Kashmir only .
It is said people in comedy have long history of sadness,  your take ?

I agree more than hundred percent that people who perform comedy have seen much sadness in life . 

We have a dedicated team of health professionals : Dr Tariq Jan MS Gousia
Gousia Hospital Khanyar is an emerging public healthcare hospital in the historic city of Srinagar and has over the years excelled greatly. In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Dr.Tariq Medical Superintendent Gousia Hospital talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz.

What is the average daily flow of patients in the Gousia Hospital Khanyar?

We see around 1000 patients in our OPD on daily basis. Including Surgery, Medicine,  Gynaecology, Opthalmology, Orthopedic, Dermatology, Dentistry, ENT, Physiotherapy, Lab investigations, Routine immunization, USG, X ray.Besides this, we are also looking for Zone Khanyar that has a population of about 1,60,000. We have PHC  at Braine, Rainwari, Miskeen bagh, Nehru Park and Gagribal. We also have 9 sub-centers at different places in this zone that is providing basis health facilities to the local people in the community. What about the Covid efforts of Gousia Hospital Khanyar?Yes we have been working on this front too.In all these centres including Gousia Hospital we are providing Covid related facilities like covid Sampling, contact tracing and covid vaccination to all people. We are also providing covid kits free of cost to all positive people at door steps. Besides monitoring of covid patients is done round the clock. For reluctant patients we provide online consultation by our expert team of specialists. 
What about the vaccination process at Gousia Hospital Khanyar?We have been quite active on the vaccination front .We have given around 30,000 doses of covid vaccines till date. 
How about catering the demand of lift system ?
We are in need of lift system in our hospital and with the help and support of higher authorities and administration will  make it possible .Has routine healthcare facilities returned after recent Covid wave ?
As per recent order of Director Health services Kashmir we have started all routine surgeries from this week. During covid we were doing emergency surgeries and LSCS. We are doing surgeries like Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Lap appendectomy, all hernias inguinal and ventral. Also Fistulas,  hemorrhoids, pilonidal sinuses and varicose veins surgeries. Gousia Hospital Khanyar also did unique surgery recently a bit about that ,and other treatments offered ?
Recently we did a unique dual sac hernia.Besides special surgeries like Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, breast cancers, colon cancers, colostomy closures, Laparoscopic splenic cystectomy. Also gynaecological procedures like tubal ligation and diagnostic Laparoscopic procedures are done. Also Opthalmological, Orthopedic and Dermatological procedures are also performed. Right now we have a dedicated team of health professionals that are working round the clock to the best of spirits and abilities.
What are burning requirements of Gousia Hospital Khanyar?
 We need more space so that we can meet increasing demand of people coming on daily basis.

Journey of ELFA INTERNATIONAL in Pandemic Coronavirus times

Bashir Ahmad Nadwi, Athrout Chairman in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir 
When it comes to helping people of Kashmir in trying circumstances of current pandemic Coronavirus to other Disasters Athrout as an NGO and organisation is a name worth praise  .Bashir Ahmad Nadwi is chairman of Athrout, a prominent philanthropic organization and charitable trust of Kashmir. In an exclusive interview with The News Kashmir, he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz.How would you describe the last year as compared to current one in terms of Coronavirus situation in Kashmir ?Last year when the first case was reported from Khanyar area of Srinagar people shut their doors and were confined . There was lot of fear that time , but this year we saw Gardens were opened and people thronged these spots without following preacuations. Today the result is with us the cases of Coronavirus are rising in the Kashmir valley and the transmission is deep in community . We need to reinstall the fear so that the chain can be broken as soon as possible. Athrout has collaborated with the Srinagar administration, and converted the Haj house building into a spacious 100- bed plus  Covid Centre . A bit on that ?We have seen in places like Delhi , Mumbai , Gujrat , Bengaluru etc people dying for the want of oxygen. Even those who get oxygen due to overcrowded hospitals have to take it on streets and on roadsides as visible from heart rending images and videos . We don’t want such situation for our dear people in Kashmir and to face the emergency arising out of Coronavirus we have set up the Haj House 100 bed Covid wellness center so that people get oxygen and other treatment in an quality manner . This is to meet the overcrowded nature of hospitals.Is there a shortage of volunteers faced by your organisation due to ravaging pandemic Coronavirus ?See, this is not flood or earthquake like situation. The situation this time is much worse as it looks enemy in form of Coronavirus is everywhere . We can’t force anyone in this situation to be volunteer. No doubt we are facing dearth of volunteers but still we are coping with the situation ably .Has the NGO coordination improved ?The coordination between NGOs has improved . But on oxygen front we all NGOs are overstretched and are not able to meet the demand . As far as food kits or medicine is concerned coordination is there . It is painful that we are not able to get desired oxygen concentrators due to shortfall in supply currently .Can our hospitals tackle this emergency like situation arising out of rising pandemic Coronavirus?I forsee that considering the huge increase in Coronavirus cases it would be difficult to meet the needs of patients . The need of the hour is that the NGOs and social organizations convert marriage halls and community centers into Covid wellness centers wherein patients can be provided oxygen supply .Athrout had many welfare oriented programmes , has Coronavirus pandemic impacted them in any way ?We are catering to monthly medicine , monthly cash , monthly household ,monthly education under these four categories we are helping 750 families . We are also running subsidised pharmacy and also ambulance service.Do you feel any crunch of donations due to economic crunch in the society ?The dearth of donation is there .From last two to three years the situation is real bad  economy vise and we are not getting desired level of donations  but still we are getting donations that makes us fulfil the basic needs of the needy .What is your appeal to people of Kashmir?The need of the hour is people follow the religious teaching and don’t leave their home unless it is real emergency . By roaming out without purpose you are putting entire family into risk.It is prophetic ruling to stay at homes during pandemic. What role do you see of Masjid Committees ?The primary concern is this time oxygen and even the organised NGOs are not able to get these oxygen concentrators despite trying from even the countries like China and USA. The Masjid Committees have no role in this, yes providing food kits and economic help to needy they surely can play an important role.Your appeal to people on vaccination especially those who are hesitant?Even for undergoing Haj pilgrimage which is basic pillar of Islam one has to go for Covid vaccination now. Today world is era of science and knowledge is of paramount importance in Islam so we have to go for vaccination. The only magic drug against Coronavirus is vaccination and people may get positive but once we are completely vaccination most likely we won’t need a ventilator or oxygen concentrator.We have very few organisation like Athrout in Kashmir , isn’t it a hurdle for us ?Yes we need many organisations that render services to humanity in Kashmir. The point is all organisation according to their stature and resources should use their potential to fullest and help those in need .Aren’t some people taking undue advantage of pandemic Coronavirus ?It goes against teachings of faith and religion what some of selfish ,callous hearted humans are doing in our society despite ravaging pandemic Coronavirus. There is lot of black marketing going on , Some had sold fire extinguishers as oxygen cylinders some are selling ordinary not so purified oxygen cylinders at abnormal prices .The need is to discard such inhuman elements.You watch situation on every second bases ,what is your take on coming days scenario for Kashmir in terms of pandemic Coronavirus?Even the worst ravaged places in India are yet not seeing peak of the Coronavirus and we are I guess still away from peak of pandemic. We should pray to Almighty Allah to safeguard us as he is our lone hope in this situation of dire straits.

I have tried to make my book Comprehensible to the Common Man : Furquan Moharkan, Author of The Banker Who Crushed His Diamonds

Furquan Moharkan is a senior correspondent with Deccan Herald. He is among the dynamic faces of Kashmir , having recently authored a much impressive book The Banker Who Crushed His Diamonds- The YES Bank Story” .In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
A bit about your early life?
I am a journalist by both luck, as well as by choice. I have done my BBA from Christ University, Bangalore, before starting my career as an investment banker. One year into job, I found my calling and quit the high-paying job, just to pursue journalism. It was all abrupt. I am thankful to Deccan Herald to give a chance to a newbie like me. And it was never looking behind from there.
A Kashmir writer choosing economic genre to write is rare, how did your interest develop in same?Even though, I have been largely emotionally invested in Kashmir, due to my childhood memories in the place, yet Bengaluru has had more of an influence in shaping my career. 
What was so special about Yes Bank debacle story for you to author a book on it?It is mind-boggling to realize that action of one single man over the years, caused a loss of Rs 60,000 crore to 1.6 million investors – many of whom had invested hugely in the bank. And while Rana Kapoor went about the unprecedented irregularities, the ecosystem turned a blind eye – in a way, siding with powerful. The collapse of YES Bank – then India’s fourth largest private bank – has completely shattered trust of a common man in the banking system. And trust is the most important pillar of the financial system.
Did you had belief that it would jump into one of best sellers on Amazon and other platforms?Yes, I had a bit of idea about it. I knew people wanted to know about it. Even within the ecosystem of YES Bank, lot of people wanted to get their hands in the book. Plus, I have tried to make the book comprehensible to the common man. Probably that is what led to success of the banking story, which is very rare.
How excited are you it being adopted as a Bollywood film?Very excited.  You know it will help a lot in financial literacy in our country – which is very rare. The screen is a very convenient form taking hard hitting stories to masses.
Your advice to young writers of Kashmir?Stay true to yourself. Don’t get carried away. Focus on the subject that you know, rather than being a jack of all trades.
Your role model ?I never made role models, but I did like the knowledge and subject matter expertise of many people. Dr Manmohan Singh, Dr Amartya Sen, Nidhi Razdan, Muzamil Jaleel to name a few of them.  
Would your future books also revolve around economic topics?Yes. I only know about the economics only. So putting my hat in a other ring, would be a very foolish step.

SMC would leave no stone unturned to make Srinagar city a better place to live : Athar Aamir Khan, Commissioner SMC

Young and dynamic Indian  Administrative Officer ( IAS) ,Athar Aamir Khan, the Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC)  in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz.
How did the idea of taking up as IAS as career option came ?
Basically ,  I was studying at IIT Mandi , Himachal Pradesh  , the Electric Engineering Course and in the last year of study I changed the mind to go into the Indian Administrative Services , as I had mostly been lot outside Jammu and Kashmir for studies I could compare career opportunities . Initially I wanted to go for higher studies but  I found IAS best to serve the public and also contribute to any sector  infrastructure or social via your position and resources available   and contribute to  development of the country .The work you do impacts many people and changes their lives towards betterment In countries like ours one can play role of catalyst via being civil servant .
Is working in place like Kashmir a challenge ?Every place has its own challenges . I belong to Kashmir and I am quite familiar with the place and that is advantageous   .Whether you work in Kashmir or Jaipur or any other part of the country it is the effort that counts .
Downtown seems to be ignored no proper sanitation and Sewerage facilities and what about progress on   Srinagar a smart city project ?Downtown would be never ignored . Smart city has two components one is Area based Development and in the context of Srinagar city Downtown is the zone for ABD Development and second is Pan City Development projects like IT projects and vending zones. We have also taken in city beautify projects under  smart city like building toilets ,more vending zones , cycling zones . We are also looking into effective and dynamic solid waste management and taken four wards as pilot wards . We have taken up hundred percent door to door collection and proper seperate disposable of biogredable and non biogredabble . We will have via these pilot wards what sort of overall infrastructure we require for efficient Solid waste management for entire city . The experience of these four wards will help us in knowing challenge ,people response and thus effective implementation for overall city .We want to make waste management bin free and liter free and have done same in these four wards and if anyone disposed waste outside they would be penalised . Media has key role to play in awaring people in this context .Now via Reforms and Amendments many department have been brought under SMC preview especially roads of city , will your human resource strength support this much burden ?Yes ten department have been transferred under our preview . City road division and small roads meaning some 364 roads comprising of 1400 kilometers  have been transferred to us . This process is in transition. We already have works division in SMC that would cater to this . Once the transition takes place it would all be streamlined . We are already in talks with Rand B to ensure smooth implementation and transition .Drainage system of the Srinagar city has been pathetic to say the least ,how will you improve same ?Drainage system of Srinagar would definitely improve in coming times.The geography of the Srinagar city is such that water has to be pumped out , we have around  85 Permanent  dewatering Stations   and they had problem of getting inundated during floods  . There is Jehlum Tawi Flood Recovery project  run  under World bank  and under this programme we are upgrading the capacity of these dewatering Pumps . We have kept utilities like Gensets at quite height  and they won’t be impacted even in floods . We need to remember these dewatering Stations dont cover entire city but main parts of it . For other we have mobile pumps which are now being deployed immediately in areas that get drenched immediately . The requirement of getting compact drainage for thousand kilometers or  more in Srinagar city  is needed and we will make those drainage that works efficiently . It is a long term and would depend on  financial outlook .
One more challenge every SMC commissioner has faced is Dog Menace and you are also dealing with same . How will you address  with it ?See the intention can’t be that dogs should go away . We need to remember that say we have fifty thousand dogs but population should not go up . There are laid out guidelines by the Supreme court and Animal Welfare Board . The vaccination of dogs and sterilising dog population to control it is way ahead . We have to rehabilitate Dogs back to their habitat  according to laid out guidelines . We need good infrastructure to do effective Dog sterilising and we are in touch with other  Municipal Corporations  how they deal with the issue . But , let me tell you our modus operandi is to ensure Dog sterilising in efficient way and very sooner .Would SMC be tough against illegal Constructions especially that come up during pandemic and also action against illegal occupation of footpaths  ?SMC has reorganized it’s encroachments wing . Wherever we are getting information about illegal Construction we are taking up immediate action and also freeing the footpaths is also our priority and being taken up.Will we witness Srinagar as smart city in the year 2030 ?Smart city is a subjective term . If we keep our city clean and follow traffic rules, stop power thefts , value the water and warerbodies and protecting our heritage we would be automatically smart city . Yes taking up infrastructure projects would be continuos process and building compact infrastructure for Srinagar city is top priority .
Your message to public ?
My message to people is to cooperate with our SMC workers especially during cleanness and sanitation . We need public cooperation to keep city always clean and we as SMC would leave no stone unturned to make Srinagar city a better place to live .

25 January, 2021

Making Narbal to Baramulla road world class my Dream : Advocate Irfan Hafeez Lone 
Advocate  Irfan Hafeez Lone is a well known Activist and lawyer , TV Debater of Kashmir who recently won the DDC election from prestigious Sangrama seat in North Kashmir defeating many political heavyweights .
In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Why did you contest DDC elections as some thought it didn’t suit your personality?
I congested DDC election process with the aim to serve people as I was already in Public service . I had in past times too unsuccessfully contested electoral process . As far as Panchayat Raj act is concerned DDC is related to Development and people come to me  for assistance and support . I thought in order to ease sufferings of my people who lag basic needs like water , Electricity as is case in my DDC constituency that I should contest . The second reason is even if one is Panch ,Sarpanch or Nambardar he or she should believe that we should legally and politically fight for getting our rights back guaranteed by Constitution of India  ,and I also wanted that BJP and it’s proxies should be defeated .Anyone becoming Panch or DDC member or anything should remind that rights given to us by Constitution and constituent assembly of India  need to be restored back. We need both legal and political fight to get back our rights .What would you do to end neglect of your area especially with reference to basic needs ?We will leave no stone unturned to end miseries of masses. Recently , when there was a heavy snowfall I on my own went to administration and got the snow cleared and I am thankful for their support .I went from village to village . We will do everything to see that basic needs of people are fulfilled. Promises made in Baramulla District. during back to village programmes need to be fulfilled . We would see MNREGA and all works are executed on time and people get their due plus DDC can play role in electricity ,water like issues . Standing committees on finance , health and education DDC members have a role to play . I appealed when I took oath  to all the 14 DDC members of Baramulla  for having a common thrust that we should jointly have for widening of road from Narbal to Baramulla , as this road is key to progress of Baramulla district . This road has become death trap and long traffic jams .Your take on who are the strong contenders for DDC Chairman for Baramulla District ?It is difficult to say which alliance or person would become DDC chairman. Some people say their is confusion regarding alphabet ordering of Baramulla or Budgam as one of these might get reserved meaning only women DDC Chairman. It is unfortunate to note that many political players are getting desperate even in Gupkar alliance to gain chairmanship which is disappointing. How far will DDC formula be  successful in Jammu and Kashmir as previously it has been tried in Srilanka only ?We believe as far as this act is considered it provides Development at grasroot level , devolution of power at Gram Sabha level and meaning thereby common  People of village will formulate Development plan . By virtue of Panchayat Raj act now we have District Development Council instead of previous District Development Board and the voting rights were with MLA , MP and now in DDC only these 14 members have voting rights and other powers in standing committees on fulfilling basic needs of masses.You defeated many political heavyweights in the DDC election . How do you view same ?The people have lot of expectations from me . They believe that I will work with full dedication and truth . Apart from Development , they expect I will play a role for the genuine political greiviance especially resolution of Kashmir problem . My people believe that I would be firm voice on restoration of our eschewed political rights . Although I never forget that I am a too small a person .Dont you believe revenge against those we fight electorally or don’t vote for us should be now a phenomenon of past ?I consider those who contested against me not as enemies but as political opponents . I have with them personnel relationship and all of us in Jammu, Kashmir ,Ladakh people should be united and have dailogue and fight for getting our stolen rights back . Internal fighting will take us nowhere .How far has been District Administration been cooperative towards your concerns so far ? 

Administration of district has been highly cooperative . Although ,DDC is yet to be formally constituted but on respective level I have found the district administration of Baramulla highly cooperative.What would be your biggest dreams for your area as DDC member ?The biggest dream remains making Narbal Baramulla road world class and second dream is to have testing laboratories for Pesticides and other related agriculture products  in our areas . 
Your message to youth ?
My appeal to youth is that we are worst victims of emotional and exploitative fight and it is high time that we don’t just apply heart but mind too so as to work towards achievable solution.Since you have good acumen on agriculture being agriculturist yourself . Your take on Farmer issue in India ?I believe the Government should be serious towards concerns of farmers . Be it regard to abrogation of article 370 and conversion of State into UT  when curfew was imposed  and no opinion was taken from assembly,  which was otherwise mandatory or other issues like CAA they excluded Muslims from citizenship benefits  or these current farmer laws they didn’t consult farmers . Democracy is not just about elections and voting but it is about freedom of speech and above all taking every stakeholder on board .

Mir Tafazul , Kashmiri young lyricist shines in viral Song Kitna Tarsey lyric and acting stunt  with famous TV  actress Aparna Dixit 
For Kashmir’ s young lyricist Mir Tafazul ,who wrote his first song Khat describing pain of communication lockdown faced by Kashmiris living outside , the recent song Kitney Tarsey ,where he got surprising opportunity to act with Star TV actor Aparna. Dixit turned a unbelievable success . As the video in just one week crosses whooping one million views .In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir ,he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

How did viral and successful Kitna Tarsey Happened ? 
I actually wrote  ‘Kitna Tarsey’ in 2019 and my friend Rauhan Malik who composed the song knew it from the beginning that our song will touch everyone’s heart. In 2020, we collaborated with a music record label ‘Koinage records’ and its core team really loved the song and  were eager to produce this song and release it from their YouTube channel.When the song was completely produced, they told us to make the video for this song and gave us this humongous responsibility. We started with the pre production of the video and contacted some good people in the film making industry who were working in Delhi. Rivuraj Saha, a close friend of ours, got the opportunity to be the Director of this video and within a couple of days, prepared the script of the video and also asked me for some inputs which were added in the script. He asked me to work as an assistant director for this video and I willingly agreed to assist him. I gave my 100% and did a lot of hard work during the pre production of this video. From script writing to budget making , from recce to finalizing locations and sets, I gave my all efforts because this song was very close to my heart.
The producer of the video, Managing Director of Koinage records, casted the actors for two lead roles only and everything was left on our shoulders. Producer wanted a very famous and beautiful actress for the video so the song gets good publicity and response, which was actually a good marketing strategy.So he casted Aparna Dixit who charged a lot of money, which she deserves actually, as she is a prominent actress of Indian Television and has an experience of 7 years of acting in Bombay. As he spent a lot of money on the female actress, he didn’t spent that much money on the male lead, and casted some inexpensive and common guy from Delhi. The director was very upset about this decision of the producer but he could not to do anything about it. Rivuraj, Rauhan and me were very nervous and restless before the night of the shoot and couldn’t sleep at all due to all the tension as it was the first big shoot of our lives. Then what happened next ?Yes we throughout the night we tried to figure out everything and planned a proper schedule for the shoot. We left for the shoot by 6am in the morning and I guess we were prepared for everything, we knew it, that to complete such a demanding script in a day would be a tremendous task and we needed utilize every second of that day.As we reached the set, we started with the shots of the singer, Rauhan Malik, and it took couple of hours to take all his shots, and all this time I was assisting the Director. Meanwhile the actors came to the set  and were going through the script. When Aparna Dixit saw the actor casted by the producer, she was disappointed. She told the director and the producer that he looks like a child and it’s a complete mismatch. She was determined to cancel the shoot unless if someone else would act with her.The director, Rivuraj told me that Tafazul you have to act with her instead of that guy, because you look perfect for the role and also you know the script very well, and asked me take my mask off so that she can see my face.When she saw me, she instantly told the director and the producer that yes I am good looking and perfect for the role, so she asked me to be her co actor. I was stunned with all this and couldn’t believe that this is happening. Me being a 21 year old boy from Kashmir, who had no acting experience is suddenly getting a chance to act with a such an established actress, I just couldn’t swallow it. I was very hesitant initially and reluctant to act with her because I was prepared to do everything that day, but only behind the camera, not in front of it. I wasn’t prepared to act that day, and thousands of thoughts were troubling me at that moment. After talking to Rauhan and Rivuraj for a while, we came to the conclusion that we can’t afford to let all our hardwork go to waste and we couldn’t waste time as the shoot was meant to be completed in one day. So I said yes and agreed to act with her, and immediately director told me to go to the stylist and get ready for the shot.Everyone on the set, including the DOP, Naushad Ali Sir, who has worked with Shahrukh Khan, was very happy about the fact that I complied. He was the one among many other people on the set who had asked and persuaded me to say yes to act in the video at the last moment.The first shot of the shoot was the most difficult one for me because it was a romantic scene with Aparna dixit. It’s not easy to act, let alone romance with a complete stranger, behave like that you know her for years, in front of the camera with so many people staring at you. It takes courage, a lot of courage.  The director helped me a lot in the first shot, because he knew what my situation was, and gave me some tips  to feel comfortable. Even Aparna Dixit, during the takes conversed with me and she was being very Frank with me, trying make me comfortable.  As things got better for me, I gave my first good take which looked completely natural on the screen. After seeing it on the monitor everyone applauded and told me that I am looking brilliant on the screen, and the DOP, Naushad Sir shouted that this video is a hit. As the shoot went on, Aparna helped me a lot with the scenes and gave her efforts to build up a chemistry between us, and that’s why she is such a great and humble actress. We talked a lot during throughout the shoot and we became good friends, got along very well and eventually we delivered every shot perfectly. Everyone at the set was amazed by my acting, especially Aparna, who repeatedly told me that I am doing good and no one is going to believe that It’s my debut as an actor. She told me that my Screen presence is outstanding and you’ve a very bright future. Even though I was the lead actor on the set, I helped a lot the director and the team in preparing for the scenes. I even helped the spot boys while I was waiting for my shots.Everyone on the set appreciated my hard work and ethics, and told me that you’re going to have a great future, just stay the way you are.After the shoot was completed, the producer came to me and said his thanks, and told me that you were god sent, and you should start your career as an actor. He told me if you did this so good as a spontaneous and in prompt to actor, you will do wonders if you join theatre and get more experience as an actor.After so much appraisal on the set that day, I decided to start my journey as an actor and made my mind to keep learning acting and become a great actor in future.Now, after the release of this music video, I am getting so much appreciation from the people, and no one can believe that it’s my debut as an actor. They are really impressed.The video is getting such a great response, it received one million views in a week, so many comments and most of them are about me and my performance, which is so overwhelming for me. 
Where you knowing the video will go viral like this ? I believe that Allah had written it for me, to start my acting career in such an unexpected way, with such a beautiful actress, with such a talented team, and for such a melodious song. I am blessed to have so much support of my family and they are really proud of me and they want me to reach heights in this journey of mine as an actor. I will work in front and also behind the camera during my journey and make sure that my work touches the heart of millions of people around the globe. I want to inspire the youngsters of Kashmir to dream big and achieve everything they dream of. I will make sure that my work will push and persuade them to start on with their journey as an actor or a film maker from a very young age.  I am so thankful to Allah for the fact that my debut received one million views in a week, and it’s quite a big achievement for everyone of us, especially the singers of this song. Our upcoming videos will always be better than the last one and we will always keep improving and deliver art every time through our work. We are about to start with the shoot of the second music video and it will be out in coming months. Till then stay tuned and updated through my Instagram,  @7afazul and catch up with me there. Thank you.

Theatre is fundamental thing if you aspire to be good actor : Mir Sarwar, Bollywood Actor 

Mohammad Sarwar Mir popularly known as Mir Sarwar is a prominent  Bollywood  actor from Kashmir who has shined both in local industry and Bollywood .
He   has appeared in several Bollywood films like Kesari (2019 film), Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Jolly LLB 2, Phantom  etc .Mir Sarwar has played important roles in movies Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Jolly LLB 2 Kesari (2019 film). He has also played protagonist in film’s like Half Widow, Kashmir Daily, Lihaaf and Negative lead in Dharma Productions Kesari (2019 film).He started his exciting career in 1999 as a model and then switched to the theatre in Delhi and later on worked with several renowned directors M K Raina and Bapi Bose in Delhi. He was part of three National School of Drama workshops as well. In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Mir Sarwar talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz.
Was your aptitude towards acting generated since childhood. Was there a spark that needed to be kindled? 
This was not something I planned but some instincts did incline me towards acting. I had a fit body and many would tell me whether I was model and I wouldn’t know what modelling was, it was in mid nineties .Then I explored modelling in Delhi Circles and developed thrust for acting but had no Godfather who would teach me. So I took theatre route and learnt real realms of acting. I would like to tell you that I had SRO 349 that was national medal and eligibility that assured me a Government Job but it’s validity was till 2005 only. I took a decision to follow acting career while as my other three colleagues did job under this medal, and I had to hear many taunts and criticism for not opting for a Government job .I then had to witness a difficult phase as my family had stopped sending money for my expenses, so I had to do door to door marketing for survival in Delhi. In 2006 I decided to go to Mumbai but I had to thwart the plan due to train blasts (as my Kashmir identity and name Mohammed Sarwar Mir aborted same).It took me few years to regain myself as financial issues had cowed me down. After few years I came back quitting job in HCL where I was trainer. I began to contemplate that for acting I left everything and now I am not doing it ,so i took route to come back to Kashmir to restart acting for one Serial  and went back after doing forty Serials to Mumbai to try my luck once again . I also developed interest for making film in local language . The first film I did was Dil Patang ,which was unfortunately not released and first releasead Bollywood formal film that I did was Phantom . I used to do several rehearsals for my scenes individually working very hard.Kabir Khan took my audition for Bollywood  via Facebook and was impressed by my acting and stated he wanted same .How much role did Theatre played in your acting career ? 
Theatre is the real game changer for me and changed my entire life style towards betterment. I used to earn five thousand via door to door marketing but used to spend rs 2500 on Theatre as it does not pay you well . Theatre joining also overshadowed my modelling as theatre teaches you real acting , and developed my real love towards local language it’s music and literature .When I did national school drama workshop in which my friend Sheezan was also one of the actors , I developed resolve towards everything of Kashmiri Language .Theatre makes you humble as you have to do ground zero work while during modelling I was like travelling in skies . Theatre makes you know how much you have to learn and give you life long lessons that learning is forever .I would say theatre is everything if you aspire to be good actor and human being .How much opposition you had to face from family ?Some of the relatives and near ones had told my family that you preach religion to others and your own boy has opted for acting as a career. I had done Punjabi album which had few intimate scenes. They were told that now he will marry from outside and is no longer Muslim ,but when they saw my real work and also work in local language cinema and ads ,interviews those who opposed me earlier now did appreciate my work. I had always double traits of curiosity and passion . When I learnt theatre under MK Raina I did everything passionately . I was never knowing  politics but always proactive that trait made some hate me and take credit of my work . But my teachers always knew it was my work . Sheezan Zargar was my right hand . Manzoor Mir assistant director in theatre assisted me greatly .When you have right intentions God helps you.
How did you manage a tough role in Kesari ?I would say every role has been challenging . Be it my first movies Bajrangi Bhaijaan or phantom I had to undertake several challenges . I am non smoker had to smoke and that too while breaking filter as a result I swallowed tobacco on several instances.In Kesari it was challenging to change dialects , and wearing heavy outfits and keeping beard for one and half year .During acting I have to vent out because if you are acting you get opportunity to vent out whereas in real life I am soft spoken and do not ever use abuses but during negative roles in acting I get opportunity to vent out and use filthy language. In Laxami Bomb and web series avrodh I got emotional roles which I Iove . I love doing these roles as emotions are natural to me . I love to get in the skin of the role . As an actor it is challenging to get in  to the skin of character and in this regard three things are important – one what I will do as Mir Sarwar in that situation , second challenzing  all my learnings, techniques  of years experience and third important factor is learning importance of spontaneity value, that it had to happen so happened .It is being rumoured that you have special bond with Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar, please inform us about it?I had opportunity to do three movies with Akshay Kumar .First was Jolly LLB 2,  Kesari and Laxami Bomb . I had done movies prior to it but Akshay Kumar was my favourite. First shot I had to do was arresting him there was a fan moment, I had learnt that after action is clicked I am actors and they are actors and same learning made my scene great .  Akshay Kumar is a great human and loves doing pranks on sets and is a jolly person . I interacted with Salman Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan I found him quite informative and Knowledgeable as we talked from topics ranging to Kashmir , deforestation.Akshay Kumar brings aura to set and is most punctual actor in industry .
The suicide of a talented actor like Sushant Singh Rajput has proven Bollywood is tough mountain to climb for outsiders? See it has some interesting stuff- be it industry ,any company , home or even mohalla favouritism or special bond exists everywhere which can be dubbed as favouritism and sometimes it goes to extreme things like nepotism when it goes ahead at cost of eschewing others rights . But we need to remind that special bonds exist everywhere .We have to remember big thing that talent and preparedness would get you real success and once Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister reference ensured one movie for one actor but couldn’t take him long. Talent will take you to long run .We need to know that millions are aspiring for a role in Bollywood and you have to create a niche in it and after realising same I found myself in negative role niches .  I remember dailogue of our teacher MK Raina ” even if you cut grass,cut good quality ” and we need to do justice to our work. Only real talent and perseverance would get you long in Bollywood.
 One who goes prepared shines . Be it Amir Bashir or Iqbal khan many are doing well . Nothing happens in jiffy . One needs to have passion and have to be passionate . For fourteen years I had no movie but kept growing from modelling to serials to movies . You need to have all important preservance.What are unfulfilled goals and ambition of yours in Bollywood?There is no end to goals. Above All, I want to do action movie which I have not done so far and also try hands on comedy which I am seriously trying .I also have ambition to strengthen the local film industry on parlance of Punjabi and Bhojpuri .The same thrust made me venture into film making . And we would not go long way by making excuse that we didn’t had cinemas so we did not go long in local film industry . In Africa and Iran they make great movies on handicams . My parents and my spouse ,daughter have played a great role in journey of my life . I would like to say shortcuts in acting world do not pay you in long run . The theatre institute like NSD refine you and make you know where you lag.
We often hear name of MK .Raina when it comes to theatre world especially from Kashmiri and other celebrities?In Kashmir MK .Raina did five theatre workshops and those who participated in these are among the participants in world of film making . He is s great teacher and fatherly figure , he has contributed a lot and taught us .We will teach others .Your message to youngesters especially from kashmir?I would like to say go prepared whether you go to Delhi ,Mumbai or other place . If you go unprepared it would make you depressed  and make you lose key financial resources and make you also lose time , demotivate you . In today’s world people via online modes can cast you from any part of the world and you need not to travel to that place . In Kashmir look is not problem we are good looking but we need to work on our communication skills . Our problem is we have fast speed of speaking and influence of mother tongue which can be managed by working on it . Youngesters need to be prepared and keep themselves visible on social media platforms.

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.