Handwara, Nov 11: Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu, on his maiden visit to Kashmir, has called for the establishment of music academies and regular cultural events to nurture local talent, particularly among youngsters from remote areas, saying his experience in the Valley had changed his perception of the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Kashmir Got Talent’ event in Handwara on Wednesday, Kumar Sanu as per Kashmir Convener said he was impressed by the talent of Kashmiri youth and stressed the need to create platforms where aspiring artists could receive professional training and showcase their abilities.
“I came to Kashmir for the first time in my lifetime, and that too in Kupwara. I am so happy that I came here and saw the reality. I really want to come to Kashmir again and again,” he said.
The singer said he was keen to collaborate with local artists and contribute to promoting Kashmiri music, revealing that he was working on a romantic duet with a Kashmiri female singer, which would be recorded in the Kashmiri language.
“I have seen the talent of the people of Kashmir. They are so talented. I am trying to collaborate with the people of Kashmir,” he said.
Emphasising the need to take cultural initiatives beyond major towns, Kumar Sanu said talent programmes should also be organised in remote areas such as Bandipora, where many aspiring performers lack access to professional platforms and opportunities.
“There is a lot of need for such events. These programmes should not be organised at just one place but in areas like Bandipora and other remote places. These people have talent but are unable to come out and showcase it,” he said.
He also urged the government to establish music schools and academies in the Valley, offering to extend whatever support he could towards the initiative.
“I will definitely tell the government to open an academy here. I will ask them to open a music school here and will do whatever I can,” he said.
Recalling his long-standing hesitation about visiting Kashmir, Sanu said concerns about the region’s security situation had kept him away, but his first-hand experience had challenged the perceptions he had carried for years.
He appreciated the Indian Army for encouraging him to visit the Valley and participate in the event, saying the experience had helped him overcome his apprehensions.
The singer also appealed to celebrities and members of the entertainment industry to visit Kashmir, interact with young people and understand their aspirations and challenges.
“What we have been told for so many years is not true. You should come to Kashmir, meet the children and understand their problems. I would like to give this message to every celebrity,” he said.
Describing Kashmir as “the heaven of India”, Sanu said he hoped to maintain his association with local artists and support initiatives aimed at bringing Kashmiri talent to wider platforms.
He said events such as Kashmir Got Talent should be organised regularly to give young performers opportunities to develop their skills and pursue careers in the creative industry
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