Suhail Khan
Ayaan Sajad, Kashmir’s youngest singer, is once again captivating the internet with his melodious voice in his latest track, ‘Gov Kya Malaal Yaaras’. Within hours of its release, the song has garnered immense popularity on social media platforms, receiving widespread praise globally. The track not only showcases the rich culture and heritage of Kashmir but also pays tribute to its language, literature, and emphasizes unity and diversity.
Ayaan Sajad, hailing from South Kashmir’s Ananthnag district, has already become an inspiration for aspiring musicians due to his exceptional singing skills. He made his singing debut in 2022 with the Kashmiri song ‘BeDard’, which quickly went viral and captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. Following this success, his Naat-e-Shareef titled ‘Jaane Janaan’ received an overwhelming response from the audience when it was released during the holy month of Ramadan.Now, his latest track, ‘Gov Kya Malaal’, continues to make waves on social media platforms.
In an interview with Kashmir Despatch, Ayaan expressed his deep passion for music, which he has nurtured since childhood. He attributed his success to the support of his family and the guidance of RJ Umar, who played a crucial role in shaping his career.
Ayaan mentioned that he had initially performed at a local event in Pahalgam, where his singing skills were recognized by RJ Umar, the CEO of ‘Mashq Talks-Podcast’. RJ Umar gave Ayaan the opportunity to debut his song ‘BeDard’ on his podcast, which paved the way for his musical journey.
Ayaan expressed his gratitude for the support he received from RJ Umar, acknowledging that although there are challenges in the music industry in Kashmir, he was fortunate to find the right mentor.
Regarding his latest track, Ayaan described it as a captivating song that not only showcases his musical talent but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, language, and literature. Despite his young age, Ayaan remains focused on his studies and aspires to crack the UPSC exam. However, he continues to pursue his passion for music and dedicates time to improve his singing skills.
In a message, Ayaan encourages others to follow their passion and never give up, despite the hurdles and boundaries they may face. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuous efforts in achieving one’s goals.
RJ Umar also shared his insights, highlighting the digital era we live in, where talent and skills have the power to speak for themselves. He believes that with around 180 music platforms available globally, including Spotify and others, artists can reach a wider audience. Umar acknowledges the lack of platforms for budding artists in Kashmir but asserts that they are building their own doors and institutions to support and promote local talent.
Umar further discusses the challenges faced by budding artists in established institutions like Radio Kashmir and Doordarshan due to favoritism, emphasizing the need for independent platforms to thrive. He also draws attention to the growth of the music industry in Punjab and expresses optimism about the future of Kashmiri music, which has a rich history in Bollywood.
Taking about this latest track, ‘Gov Kya Malaal Yaaras’, he said it is a delightful fusion of traditional Kashmiri music with contemporary vibes. The song is a true embodiment of the region’s cultural diversity and artistic brilliance,” said Rj Umar, the director of the song.
Adding to the star-studded ensemble, the song features the acclaimed Bollywood actor Asif Ali in a remarkable performance that showcases his versatility as an artist. The video is brilliantly directed by the young UNICEF award-winning talent, Rj Umar Nisar, whose creative vision brings the essence of Kashmir to life on screen.
This song aims to promote and preserve the Kashmiri language, heritage, and literature. Through its soulful lyrics and powerful visuals, “Gov Kya Malaal Yaaras” captures the essence of Kashmir’s vibrant culture, emphasizing the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and cultural identity.
The song is available for streaming and download on all major music platforms, and the video can be viewed on the official Mashq Records YouTube channel.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
