Tribute to Hamle Bulbul: Kashmiri Music Icon
The passing of Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, fondly known as Hamle Bulbul, marks the end of a golden era in the history of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural and musical heritage. His demise not only leaves a void in the world of Kashmiri folk music but also compels us to reflect deeply on the fragile state of traditional art forms and the immense value of individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving them. A true cultural icon, Hamle Bulbul was more than a performer—he was a custodian of Kashmir’s indigenous music traditions and an embodiment of the region’s soulful artistry.
Hailing from the serene village of Dangiwacha Rafiabad in Baramulla, Bulbul brought national attention to the nuanced beauty of Kashmiri folk music. His voice, steeped in the essence of the valley, reverberated across generations. Whether it was his mastery over the sarangi, his unique glass-balancing dance performances, or his emotive renditions of Bacha Nagma—Bulbul’s art was both deeply traditional and extraordinarily personal. It captured the ethos of Kashmir’s centuries-old cultural rhythm while engaging new audiences with its authenticity and passion. Serving for over three decades in the Department of Information, his role extended beyond performance. He represented the essence of Kashmiri music on national and international stages with dignity, humility, and unflinching commitment. His artistic journey was as much about excellence as it was about service—to art, to the state, and to the people. In doing so, he not only earned personal accolades such as the prestigious Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Award in 2011 but also elevated the profile of Jammu and Kashmir’s performing arts across the country. Bulbul’s contributions were not confined to the stage. He inspired fellow artists, mentored aspiring performers, and worked closely with cultural institutions to ensure that Kashmiri music was not just preserved but celebrated. His artistry was rooted in the lived experiences of his people, which is why it resonated so deeply. Each performance was a tribute to the land, its stories, its joys, and its sorrows. His presence in cultural outreach events organized by the Information Department was a highlight for many, and his collaborations served as a bridge between tradition and evolving contemporary sensibilities. What made Bulbul’s persona so remarkable was not only his prodigious talent but also his humility. In a world increasingly defined by celebrity culture and fleeting fame, he remained grounded, accessible, and deeply respected by all who worked with him. His colleagues, superiors, and fans recall a man who carried his fame lightly and his responsibility to culture seriously. The condolence meeting organized by the Information Department and heartfelt tributes from cultural bodies like Adbi Markaz Kamraz are testimony to the indelible mark he left on Kashmir’s cultural consciousness. As we mourn his passing, it becomes imperative for both society and institutions to ask: who will carry this legacy forward? The life of Hamle Bulbul serves as a poignant reminder that while artists may depart, their art lives on only if it is nurtured, documented, and passed to future generations. The government and cultural organizations must take concrete steps to archive his work, support traditional artists, and promote music education that includes regional folk traditions. Kashmir’s artistic identity is a tapestry woven from countless threads like his, and we must not allow them to fray. In celebrating the contributions of Hamle Bulbul, we are not merely paying tribute to a beloved artist—we are reaffirming our commitment to cultural sustainability. His music was more than entertainment; it was an act of resilience, of remembrance, and of resistance against the tides of cultural amnesia. Let this moment not be defined by mourning alone, but by a renewed dedication to protect and promote the indigenous artistic traditions he lived and loved.
The silence left by Bulbul’s passing is profound. But within it lies an echo—a call to action to recognize the artists among us, to honour their contributions in their lifetimes, and to ensure that their legacy continues to inspire. In the melodies he gave us and the traditions he revived, Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah will always remain the eternal voice of Kashmir’s musical soul.
-From the Bold News Editorial Desk
Imotional Sufi Songs
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