Musical tribute paid to Ghulam Hassan Sofi in Srinagar

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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25 Nov 2025

Srinagar, Nov 24: A musical tribute was paid to the late Kashmiri singer Ghulam Hassan Sofi on Monday at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.

Renowned Kashmiri singers, including Waheed Jeelani, Qaisar Nizami, Muneer Ahmad Mir, Ajaz Ahmad Rah, Assad Anjum, Mohammad Shafi Malik and Aaqib Assad performed at the event.

The program was organized by Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) in collaboration with the National Society for Human Welfare.

The artists performed some of Sofi’s most cherished songs to honour his legacy and pay glowing tributes. The event was attended by several singers, artists, students and fans of the late maestro.

Prominent guests present on the occasion included Additional Secretary JKAACL Ideel Saleem, Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Project Officer Wage Employment (ACD) Srinagar Tariq Ahmad Reshi, former AIR Srinagar Director Bashir Arif, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Reyaz, Chairman of National Society for Human Welfare, said the aim of organising such events is to spread a positive message among the audience.

“It is through art and culture that we connect with people. Such programs also inspire us to contribute better towards society and understand our responsibilities,” he said.

Additional Secretary JKAACL Ideel Saleem said tributes of this nature hold great significance. “Ghulam Hassan Sofi has contributed immensely to art, culture and music. Paying tribute to such personalities means a lot,” he said, adding that Radio Kashmir, Doordarshan and the artist community kept Sofi’s legacy alive with great respect.

Sofi began his career at Radio Kashmir in the early 1950s. He later sang for Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar and the Cultural Academy, and served in the song and drama division from 1967 to 1994.

He performed across India and was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Union Information Ministry and the Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Award by the J&K Government in 2006.

Sofi lent his voice to the works of prominent Kashmiri poets including Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor, Abdul Ahad Azad, Wahab Khar, Rasool Mir and Rajab Hamid.

His own compositions often explored spiritual and mystical themes. Among his popular songs are “Afsoos Duniya” and “Zamany Puk Na Hum Dum.”

Born in 1932, Sofi passed away in 2009 at SMHS Hospital after a prolonged illness and was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Maleteng, Dalgate.