Ulfat Jaan
Srinagar July 24 : Bollywood and Kashmir have a long-standing relationship, and it is often believed that Bollywood has played a significant role in boosting the economy of Kashmir, whether in terms of employment or contributions to tourism. However, after a long gap, the Modi-led Government, under LG Manoj Sinha, has once again given Bollywood the wings to fly in Kashmir. In the past five years, from the reopening of theaters to Bollywood movies being shot here, Kashmir has rekindled its connection with Bollywood.
Mohit Suri’s ‘Saiyaara’ has taken the box office by storm, grossing over ₹100 crore globally in its opening weekend. The Yash Raj Films romantic drama has resonated not only for its emotionally stirring storyline but also for its music—especially the title track, which has struck an even deeper chord. Hauntingly beautiful and filled with raw emotion, the song has rapidly climbed the charts and become a soul-stirring anthem.
The duo, long recognized in the independent music circuit for their deeply emotive vocals and musical authenticity, has finally found a national platform. For millions of listeners, their voices have become synonymous with the heartbeat of the film.
Open Instagram, and chances are, the first track flooding your feed is “Saiyaara Tu Toh Badlaa Nahi Hai…”, The soulful ballad has become an internet sensation, trending across all social media platforms and quickly becoming the anthem of the season.
Abdullah, already a household name in Kashmir’s local music scene, described the opportunity as his “dream Bollywood debut” and a chance to showcase the cultural richness of his homeland.
“It is an honor to represent Kashmir in the Hindi film industry with our musical debut in ‘Saiyaara’,” Abdullah said in a recent media interaction. “Our state has beautiful people and incredible artists. I am really happy that two Kashmiri boys have worked hard to land this project of a lifetime and are trying to make a name for themselves in the Hindi film industry.”
He further expressed his hope that their success could open doors for more artists from Kashmir. “We want to make our people back home proud of our work, and it is truly humbling to witness that my song is the first track to launch the ‘Saiyaara’ promotional campaign.”
Known for his evocative song ‘Ishq’, Faheem Abdullah first entered the scene in 2020 with the track ‘Jhelum’. Since then, he has explored a range of genres—from Dream Pop and Blues to Ghazals and Sufi Rock—all while maintaining a distinctly Kashmiri essence rooted in poetry, emotion, and truth.
Earlier this year, LG Manoj Sinha stated, “Today I am proud that Jammu and Kashmir has found its place in filmmaking. Our efforts for peace and development in the past five years have made Jammu and Kashmir a more attractive destination for Hindi, regional, and foreign film shooting.” The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that technological advancements have helped local budding filmmakers, actors, and professionals in various fields of cinema showcase their rich and varied cultural heritage.
He also noted, “Creativity is not only a means of fulfilling your dreams, but it is also a vehicle for social change. I have seen the deep impact of different creative genres on society, but the impact of cinema is unparalleled; it has helped raise awareness about many social evils. I want our youth to nurture this creativity to eliminate social issues like drug addiction from society and to use their talents for good deeds that will change the lives of others. I want our youth to help the government in reaching out to the disadvantaged and ensure they lead lives of dignity.”
Importantly, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the first-of-its-kind multiplex in Kashmir three years ago, in 2022, after cinemas had been shut down in the region since the 1990s, located in the Shivpora locality of Srinagar.
This multiplex, designed by INOX with the latest technology, has a capacity of 520 people. However, shortly after the opening of this theater, many cinemas began to open in other districts of Kashmir, reflecting the growing aspirations of J&K. Besides aiming to provide recreational facilities to the people, the multiplex seeks to revive a vibrant cinema culture and provide a space for the young generation to rejuvenate, discuss, and deliberate through seminars.
