In strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir, apparently with meagre entertainment sources, a new private FM radio channel was officially inaugurated ahead of Eid to cater to the music lovers of the valley.
Bollywood rap sensation Badshah was in town to launch the FM station. Wearing a Kashmiri traditional fur cap called Karakuli with a native shawl around his shoulders, Badshah spoke at length about how music could be a medium to bring about a change in the society.
Badshah said that he was impressed with the way Kashmiri youth are currently engaging with music and other talent forms to raise their voices and that art could be a very important tool of revolution.
Badshah also sang his latest rap song while enjoying a Shikara ride in Dal along with a local RJ.
Kashmir had only one private FM radio channel till last year. Two more private broadcasters had recently entered the entertainment market and launched radio channels to provide a much-needed impetus to the industry in Kashmir.
These companies have also employed local Kashmiri youth as radio jockeys, producers and as staffers in their FM stations.
The Kashmiri youth have proved their mettle in various forms of art such as acting, music and modelling at the national level. However, back home due to the lack of proper platforms, the youth have been travelling elsewhere in the country to make a career in the entertainment industry.
The theatres in Kashmir have been long shut after several militant organisations threatened the theatre owners of dire consequences if they show movies which allegedly is against the Islamic culture.
The youth, on the other hand, have taken to social media to showcase their skills.
RJ Vijdan, who was recently roped in by Radio Mirchi in Kashmir, has started a new show which talks about intimate relationships, which in a way has been a path breaker considering the conservative culture in the valley.
Vijdan has reportedly said that when his show was aired, he unexpectedly received a lot of positive feedback signalling a change in Kashmir.
