In the picturesque town of Charar-e-Sharif in central Kashmir — a place steeped in Sufi traditions, poetry, and spiritual devotion — a young voice has risen that carries the essence of an entire culture. Masrat Un Nissa, often described as one of the most promising singers of her generation, is not just preserving Kashmiri music but infusing it with new life. Her journey is one of passion, resilience, and cultural pride — a tale that reflects the broader struggle of Kashmiri heritage to survive in modern times.
Early Life: Humble Roots and First Steps in Music
Born and raised in Charar-e-Sharif, a town famous for the shrine of the Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Sheikh-ul-Alam), Masrat grew up surrounded by spirituality and poetic traditions. From an early age, she showed an extraordinary inclination toward music, particularly devotional recitations.
Her first public performances were at the shrine itself, where she recited the verses of Sheikh-ul-Alam. These verses, which emphasize humility, love for humanity, and devotion to God, are deeply embedded in Kashmiri identity. Audiences often wept listening to her young yet powerful voice.
It was here that her journey truly began, guided by her first mentor, the late Dr. Aziz Hajini, a noted cultural activist and writer. Hajini spotted her talent when she was just a fifth-grade student at a local government school. Unlike many others who dismissed girls’ ambitions in music, he encouraged her:
“He had the ability to see potential where others saw nothing. He told me that my voice carried the emotion of Kashmiri culture, and he pushed me to perform at cultural and literary events.”
This early support was crucial, for Masrat was growing up in a society where female singers often faced skepticism and discouragement. In Kashmiri tradition, while music is deeply revered, public performance by women was historically considered taboo. The legendary Raj Begum — the first female playback singer of Kashmir — had faced similar struggles decades earlier. Inspired by her, Masrat decided she too would carve her space, no matter how difficult the path.
Breakthrough: The Voice of Raj Begum in Songs of Paradise
Masrat’s defining moment came with Songs of Paradise, a biographical film directed by Danish Renzu, with music composed by Abhay Rustum Sopori. The film pays tribute to Raj Begum, the pioneering female vocalist of Kashmir, who began her journey with Radio Kashmir and went on to become the “Melody Queen of Kashmir.”
Masrat was chosen to lend her voice to the character of Raj Begum — an honor and a responsibility. Preparing for the role was no small task. She immersed herself in Raj Begum’s old recordings, listening repeatedly to catch the subtle nuances, pauses, and emotional cadences. She was not merely imitating; she was channeling a legacy.
Her rendition of classics like Dil Tsooran was met with wide acclaim. Critics described it as “a hauntingly beautiful echo of Kashmir’s golden era of music.” For the Kashmiri audience, it wasn’t just about nostalgia — it was about validation that their culture, often ignored on larger platforms, still had a voice.
In interviews, Masrat described the process:
“I didn’t want to just sing her songs. I wanted to live her songs. Every note, every word carried her struggle, her courage, and her pride. That is what I tried to preserve in my voice.”
With Songs of Paradise, Masrat gained recognition beyond Kashmir. More importantly, she fulfilled a personal dream — to honor the woman who had inspired her journey.
Balancing Education with a Growing Career
Despite the growing demands of her music career, Masrat remains committed to her academic pursuits. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Public Administration at the University of Kashmir.
This balance between academia and art highlights her resilience and vision. For Masrat, education is not just a backup plan; it complements her artistic journey. Her studies in administration reflect her interest in contributing to society in broader ways, perhaps one day working to influence cultural policies and institutional support for Kashmiri arts.
Her life reflects the challenges faced by many young Kashmiri artists: pursuing dreams while navigating expectations of education, family, and society. That she manages both is a testament to her discipline and passion.
Recognition and Honours: A Star on the Rise
Masrat’s work has not gone unnoticed. In a vibrant celebration organized by Katha Batha, in collaboration with Sufi Café and Restaurant in Srinagar, she was felicitated for her contributions to Kashmiri music.
The event brought together artists, cultural activists, and admirers, all united in their appreciation of her efforts. She was honored with a traditional Kashmiri shawl and bouquet, and the evening culminated in her cutting a celebratory cake amidst applause.
Cultural activist Azhar Hajini remarked:
“Masrat Un Nissa is not just a singer. She is a bridge between the Kashmiri homeland and the diaspora. Her voice carries the pain, beauty, and pride of Kashmir across the world.”
Senior JKAS officer Mantasha Binti Rashid added:
“Her dedication is inspiring. In her, we see the next generation of artists who will ensure that Kashmiri traditions do not fade away.”
This recognition underlines a key point: Masrat’s journey is not just personal success, but part of a collective cultural revival.
A Vision for the Future: Taking Kashmiri Music Global
Masrat sees herself not merely as a performer but as a cultural custodian. She wishes to present Kashmiri music on global platforms where it rarely receives attention.
Her style is unique — blending Chakri (traditional storytelling music) and Sufiana Kalam (the classical Sufi music of Kashmir) with modern sensibilities. She also performs ghazals and rubaiyat, echoing Kashmir’s rich poetic traditions. This versatility allows her to connect with diverse audiences, from traditional Kashmiri listeners to younger generations seeking something fresh yet rooted.
She has said:
“For me, singing is a responsibility. I want young Kashmiris to feel proud of our heritage. Our music is not just history; it is alive, relevant, and universal.”
Her dream is to collaborate with global artists, weaving Kashmiri sounds into international music landscapes. In doing so, she hopes to preserve her culture while opening it up to the world.
Inspirations and Personal Reflections
Masrat draws her strength from her family and heritage. While she remains private about her personal life, she often shares that poetry, especially that of Kashmiri saints and Sufi writers, fuels her creativity. She spends time reading, reflecting, and listening to old recordings — keeping herself immersed in the artistic soul of Kashmir.
In her words:
“Everyday life in Kashmir inspires me — the mountains, the rivers, the language, and the people. Everything around me carries music. I just try to give it a voice.”
The Larger Picture: Why Masrat’s Journey Matters
To understand the significance of Masrat’s rise, one must see it against the backdrop of Kashmiri music’s history. The region has a centuries-old tradition of Sufiana music, influenced by Persian and Central Asian sounds. Yet, in recent decades, Kashmiri music has been under threat due to modernization, political unrest, and the lack of institutional support.
Women, especially, have had to fight harder for space in this art form. From Raj Begum’s struggles in the mid-20th century to the skepticism faced by today’s female artists, the path is never smooth. By stepping into this tradition and gaining recognition, Masrat symbolizes hope — proof that Kashmiri music not only survives but continues to evolve.
Final Thoughts
Masrat Un Nissa’s journey from the shrine of Charar-e-Sharif to the recording studios of Songs of Paradise is a tale of persistence and cultural pride. Her voice is not just music; it is the echo of an entire heritage.
In her story, we see the struggles of Kashmiri women, the resilience of tradition, and the promise of a cultural revival. As she continues to rise, one thing is clear: the melodies of Kashmir will not fade away — they will resonate louder, reaching audiences far beyond the valley.
Masrat Un Nissa is more than an artist. She is the voice of Kashmir’s soul.