Srinagar, 4 January (IAS): Young Kashmiri singer Isfaq Kawa is ready to make his playback debut in Bollywood.
Isfaq recorded the title song for the upcoming Bollywood movie Welcome to Kashmir, which was shot in North Kashmir and features locals in the lead role, due for release this year.
Originally from Shadipora village in Bandipora district, Ishfaq has a soul-stirring voice that resembles the famous singer Arjit Sing.
Ishfaq first decided to give singing a try in 2015 when he received a standing ovation for his singing talent while working as a waiter in Hyderabad.
Ishfaq rose to prominence with the song “Nundi Bani”, written and composed by him, dedicated to all mothers who have lost their children. The song was a huge hit with his 10 million views on YouTube alone.
Ishfaq currently has over 492,000 subscribers on YouTube. He has gained millions of views for every song he uploads to YouTube and has become Kasimi’s new musical sensation.
“I am very happy to have recorded the title track for ‘Welcome to Kashmir’. I started from scratch and am very happy to have reached this stage. But I’m happy that our Kashmiri language has finally arrived: Bollywood,” said a jubilant Isfaq.
“The title song is written in Kashmiri and has few Hindi lines. Filming of the film lasted nearly six months and is now complete. My song will be released soon,” said Ishfaq. added.
He said “Welcome to Kashmir” is an attempt to present authentic images of the people of J&K to a wider audience.
He said the film highlights the need to empower women and eradicate drug addiction among Kashmir’s youth.
Ishfaq aims to give more space to the Kashmiri language in Bollywood through songs.
“I wanted Kashmiri to reach Bollywood and finally my dream came true.I will now go to Mumbai and try harder to perform in Bollywood,” said Isfa.
“Due to the introduction of Punjabi songs in Bollywood, Punjabi is now gaining an audience even in non-Punjabi speaking regions. Like Punjabi, I promote Kashmir through Bollywood,” he added.
A farmer’s son, Isfaq has had his share of ups and downs, but the hard work and hard work have paid off.
“I have been interested in music since I was a child, but I didn’t have a platform where I could showcase my talent.During my singing career, I faced many challenges to reach where I am today. During the crisis, money was scarce.At the beginning of my musical career, I worked hard to earn money and pursue my passion.But I never gave up hope and always did my best. I tried to do my best,” he said.
“Initially, I translated a Hindi song into Kashmiri and sang it, and it got a great response from listeners.When people started liking my songs, I felt I had to continue this journey. After that, I started singing my own songs such as “Dilbar”. , ‘Nund Banie’, ‘Ha Yaroa Walo’, ‘Zaroori Shum’, ‘Madnoa’ and the recently released song ‘Madno’. I wrote and composed all these songs myself,” he said.
“I intend to spread Kashmiri among young people through my songs and that’s what I do,” he said.
“I am overwhelmed by the love and respect I receive from music lovers both at home and outside. It’s not always about money, but the place you create in people’s hearts is irreplaceable.” I never thought I would be loved by so many people,” she added.
“In a few weeks we will be releasing a song titled ‘Gubroa’ and I am sure people will love it as much as they loved ‘Nundi Bani’,” said Ishfaq.
