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Artists mourn demise of veteran actor Rafeeq Mattoo

  • Idrees Bukhtiyar
  • Comments 0
  • 07 May 2026

Srinagar, May 6: The artists’ community of Kashmir on Wednesday held a condolence meeting to pay rich tributes to noted radio, stage and television actor Mohammad Rafeeq Mattoo, who passed away on Tuesday morning.

Mattoo, a resident of Zaina Kadal in Srinagar, was 57. The cause of his death is yet to be ascertained.

A large number of artists, colleagues, friends and admirers gathered at the seminar hall of the Cultural Academy, Lal Mandi, where the meeting was marked by solemnity and deep emotion as participants remembered the late actor’s life and legacy.

Speakers described Mattoo as a humble, kind-hearted and grounded individual whose simplicity and warmth endeared him to everyone. They also highlighted his contribution to theatre, radio and television, remembering him as a dedicated artist who remained committed to his craft throughout his life.

The presidium included prominent theatre personalities Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Dr Aiyash Arif, who presided over the meeting, Ameen Bhat, Mushtaq Bala, Nazeer Josh and Gul Javed Khan. The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Shahzad Shabbeer.

Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaaque recalled his association with Mattoo and described him as a generous and down-to-earth person. “I worked with him on several projects. His humility and nature always left a lasting impression on me,” he said.

Kashmiri singer Ajaz Rah expressed concern over the plight of artists in the valley, saying many, including Mattoo, struggled due to a lack of opportunities. “The government must frame policies to ensure a secure future for artists in Kashmir,” he said.

Artist Khursheed Mir said Mattoo had been going through a difficult phase in recent years. “He even struggled to afford dialysis. He was always generous to others, but sadly there was no one to support him in his time of need,” he said.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Yousuf Shahnaz, Shaikh Haneef, Shahzad Rasool, Umar Imtiyaz, Afzal Bhat, Javaid Khan Gora, Manzoor Ishbari, Shabbeer Hakak, Shahnaz Mushtaq, Mahjabeen Inksari, Dr Shabnum Rafeeq and Syed Iftikhar. The presence of artists including Farhat Sideeq, Akib Haleem, Majaaz Mir, Barkat Ali and Shahid Malik reflected the deep respect the late actor commanded within the community.

The hall was filled to capacity, with speakers recalling various facets of Mattoo’s life and work, portraying him as a man who lived with dignity and touched many lives through his art and compassion. The gathering also discussed the challenges faced by the artist community in the valley.

The meeting concluded with prayers for Mattoo’s eternal peace and for his soul to attain the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous.

 

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