STATE TIMES NEWS
Srinagar: The tranquil shores of Dal Lake came alive with music and applause on Sunday evening as celebrated playback singer Sonu Nigam performed at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), captivating hundreds of music lovers in an unforgettable concert.
Hosted by NDTV Good Times, the open-air event marked a heartening return of large-scale cultural gatherings to the Valley. The concert, dedicated to legendary singer Mohammed Rafi, showcased both Nigam’s timeless hits and the rising talent of local performers Qazi Touqeer, winner of Fame Gurukul 2005, and Rouhan Malik, who opened the show with spirited performances.
Nigam’s soulful renditions created a euphoric atmosphere, with the audience swaying and singing along under the open sky. “It’s a dream come true to see my favourite singer performing live in Srinagar,” said Mohammad Amir, a 27-year-old local resident.
The event unfolded peacefully, in stark contrast to the days when cultural activities in Kashmir were often clouded by strikes or boycott calls. The successful turnout reflects a changing social landscape and growing appetite for cultural expression in the region.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the concert as a milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism and arts sector. He said the event would “give a major fillip to the UT’s tourism industry and provide a valuable platform for local artistes to showcase their talent before a wider audience.”
The evening not only celebrated music but also symbolized a renewed sense of normalcy and optimism in the Valley – a melody of peace resonating from the heart of Kashmir.