Latest news with #Abdullah
India Today
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Meet two Kashmiri artistes who are behind Saiyaara's soul-stirring music
'Saiyaara' is not just rewriting box office records - it's rewriting what love feels like for a generation of movie-goers. The YRF romantic drama has struck a chord with audiences across the country, not only with its compelling story but with music that feels like it was born from heartbreak and healing itself. And leading this emotional wave is the film's title track - a hauntingly beautiful melody that's already climbed the chartbusters composer Tanishk Bagchi has rightfully been celebrated as the man of the moment, a few know that the soul of 'Saiyaara', its title track, was brought to life by two debutant musicians from Kashmir - Faheem Abdullah and Arslan duo, who have long been admired in the independent music industry for their melodic voices and musical depth, have finally found a national platform - and all of it seems magical. With 'Saiyaara', their voices have travelled beyond the mountains they call home, into the hearts of millions, making them overnight sensations. Abdullah, a celebrated name in the local music scene, calls 'Saiyaara' his dream Bollywood debut. More importantly, he sees it as a chance to represent Kashmir's rich artistic heritage on the national was Bagchi - whom the duo fondly refer to as an elder brother - who introduced them to director Mohit Suri. And from that serendipitous connection, 'Saiyaara' was born - a song that seems musically rich but also acts like a nourishment to the soul. While speaking about the opportunity, Abdullah told the media, "It is an honour to represent Kashmir in the Hindi film industry with our musical debut in 'Saiyaara'. Our state has beautiful people and incredible artists. I am really happy that two Kashmiri boys have worked really hard to land this project of a lifetime and are trying to make a name for themselves in the Hindi film industry."He also spoke of how this breakthrough could open the door for more Kashmiri talent to enter Bollywood, adding, "We want to make our people back home to be proud of our work, and it is truly humbling to witness that my song is the first track to open the 'Saiyaara' promotional campaign."Abdullah, already known for his mesmerising rendition of 'Ishq', has always had a voice that speaks directly to the heart. With 'Saiyaara', both he and Nizaami have now reached every corner of the country.A multifaceted singer-songwriter, Abdullah made his musical debut in 2020 with the single 'Jhelum'. Since then, he has journeyed across genres - ranging from Blues and Dream Pop to Sufi Rock and Ghazals - always carrying with him the spirit of his homeland. Deeply inspired by Kashmiri music and literature, he believes that true artistry lies in fearless expression, and that music, at its core, has the power to spark Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Abdullah said, "It is quite an overwhelming moment for me, my family, my friends and my well-wishers. 'Saiyaara' title track is one of the purest songs that I have ever heard, and I have tried to pour my everything into it under the guidance of the genius Tanishk Bagchi and the music visionary Mohit Suri. I share this moment with my friend Arslan, without whom the magic of 'Saiyaara' couldn't come alive."For Arslan Nizami, the journey has been nothing short of a dream. Quietly working to craft melodies with Abdullah, Nizami never imagined a Bollywood launch quite like this."I wouldn't have believed it if people had told me a couple of years earlier that I would get a chance to compose a song for a big film in the Hindi film industry. So, there was no way that I was dreaming that I would get a chance to compose for Mohit Suri in his directorial. This is an incredible milestone moment in my career and I couldn't be happier, prouder," he added, "To have my song, which I have composed along with an exceptionally talented fellow Kashmiri artist like Faheem and the incredible Tanishk Bagchi, lead the 'Saiyaara' promotional campaign feels surreal."The magic is not just in the melody, but in the moment. The emotion, the response, the reach - it's all been overwhelming for the duo. From Srinagar to the studios of Mumbai, their voices have crossed every invisible barrier, and both of them are aware of the success that 'Saiyaara' has brought for them."I am in disbelief, and I am speechless," Nizami confessed. "I'm proud that two Kashmiri boys are here in Mumbai and trying to show what we can do to the whole country. I know we will work exceptionally hard in the near future to make our state prouder and I thank Mohit Suri sir for his unflinching belief in us. He has given us wind beneath our wings to fly higher from here on," he elaborated.'Saiyaara' uses music as part of its narrative, not as an accessory. The story of a singer falling in love with a songwriter demands both chemistry and composition that stays with you long after the film ends. And thanks to the musical melodies carefully chosen by Suri, which he dedicated five years to collecting, every note lands with film marks the acting debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, and is produced by YRF's CEO Akshaye Widhani. Released in theatres on July 18, 2025, 'Saiyaara' is quickly proving that true love and true music always find its way.- Ends
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Business Standard
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
July 14 incident a blow to democratic institutions, says Omar Abdullah
Abdullah also spoke about his long-held view that the current dual model of governance in Jammu and Kashmir is 'not an ideal form of government' Press Trust of India Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the manhandling incident on July 14 as "shameful", saying people behind this have done "democracy no favours" as such episodes deeply erode public faith in the electoral process. Abdullah also spoke about his long-held view that the current dual model of governance in Jammu and Kashmir is "not an ideal form of government". "What happened on July 14 was shameful. It should never have happened," Abdullah told PTI while referring to an incident at the Martyrs' Graveyard where he and his party colleagues were allegedly manhandled by police. Abdullah cautioned that the "implications and its ramifications will be felt long after" and said if "an elected head of government is being treated that way, imagine what that means for the regular citizens". He voiced deep concern that the incident could lead to widespread disillusionment among voters. "Already I know for a fact that there are people who voted in the last two elections who are today asking themselves whether it was worth voting at all," he said. "It's not about me, it's not about the individual. It's about the office, it's about the institution, it's about the implications. And none of this bodes well for Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah said He also took a dig at the BJP, highlighting what he perceived as hypocrisy. He said that the BJP itself was part of a government that commemorated similar events between 2015 and 2018. "At that time, why did they not say all this? Because they wanted the fruits of power. So what does that tell you about their commitment and their ideology?" he asked. Responding to criticism from the BJP on the comparison of 1931 martyrs with those killed by Britishers at Jallianwala Bagh, Abdullah said, "I don't agree with anything the BJP says or does. And they don't agree with what I do. Which is fine. That's the difference in our politics." Abdullah also spoke about the ongoing discussions between his government and the Lt Governor's administration aimed at resolving operational differences, particularly concerning the long-awaited "business rules" that would clearly delineate powers and responsibilities within the Union territory's governance structure. He said that his government has not overstepped its boundaries under the J&K Reorganisation Act and has not sought to intrude into the LG's expressly defined domains. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Business Standard
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
J&K CM pushes for 2 key projects as IWT pause opens door for water storage
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, an open critic of the 1960 Indus-Water Treaty, is hopeful that the central government will give a go-ahead for the completion of the Tulbul Navigation project in Kashmir and the diversion of Chenab River water to alleviate Jammu's water scarcity. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror strike on April 22 that killed 26 people, mainly tourists, the Centre announced a slew of measures against Pakistan for supporting terror groups and waging a proxy war against India. It included keeping the 1960 Indus-Water Treaty in abeyance. According to the treaty, India has unrestricted access to the waters of the eastern rivers -- Sutlej, Beas and Ravi -- amounting to around 33 million acre-feet (MAF) annually, while Pakistan receives the majority of the water from the western rivers -- the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab --totalling around 135 MAF annually. In an interview to PTI recently, Chief Minister Abdullah said that while the benefits of a full reversal of the IWT will take time, his government is focusing on medium-term projects that can begin immediately. Abdullah has been vociferously opposing the treaty since he was the Minister of State of External Affairs, saying that the 1960 agreement was the "most unfair document" ever imposed on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He described the IWT as a document that "essentially denied Jammu and Kashmir the opportunity to store water" and forced all power projects to be "run of the river". "We can't suddenly build power projects and start storing water," Abdullah said and acknowledged the long-term nature of such undertakings. "It will take time before the benefits of the Indus water treaty start flowing to us." However, he highlighted two specific projects that he believes need to be taken up "immediately" -- which include the revival of the Tulbul navigation barrage in Sopore. This project, he explained, would not only enable the use of the Jhelum River for navigation but also "enable us to generate more electricity" in winter for all our downstream power projects, including Lower Jhelum and Uri hydroelectric projects. The suggestion from the Jammu and Kashmir government to the Centre was to build drop gates at the Tulbul Navigation Project, also known as Wullar Barrage, located on the boundary of Bandipora and Sopore, so that the water level in the Jhelum River could be managed properly. Work on the project was expedited by India following the Uri terror attack in 2016. This initiative was initially suspended in 1987 due to Pakistani objections. Despite India's efforts to resolve the issue, Pakistan declined to engage in discussions during five meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission held between 2017 and 2022. The barrage would also be especially effective in reducing the flow of water during the flood season in the Union territory. The Tulbul project was conceived in 1986 so as to enable year-round flow of water in the Wular Lake for commercial and tourism purposes, which in turn would generate employment in Kashmir. India opposed the Pakistani stand against the barrage, saying that construction of the Tulbul does not violate the treaty since the project is not a storage facility for either drinking water or irrigation but falls into the category of a regulating structure on water flows for non-consumptive use. The second project is a vital water-lifting scheme from Akhnoor to provide a sustainable source of water for Jammu city, which is facing "increasing water shortages". The chief minister said that Chenab is an ideal source, and this project could "feed Jammu for the next two to three decades". When asked if a formal proposal had been submitted to the Centre, the chief minister confirmed that "we have already had the conversation" and added that a senior advisor to the Prime Minister had recently visited the region to review these specific projects linked to the IWT. The advisor's visit, Abdullah noted, signifies that the Centre may give its nod for the projects to move forward. The second short-term suggestion was about lifting water from the Chenab River to ensure a better supply for people in Jammu, the six-month winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu city lies on the banks of the Tawi river, which divides the old city on its eastern bank from the new on the west. The Tawi flows from Jammu and Kashmir into Pakistani Punjab, eventually merging with the Chenab River. The JK government has sought approval to engage an international funding agency for the Chenab Water Supply Scheme, aimed at lifting drinking water from the river and supplying it in different areas of the Jammu district to meet the rising water requirements of the town. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
July 14 incident a blow to democratic institutions: Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the manhandling incident on July 14 as "shameful", saying people behind this have done "democracy no favours" as such episodes deeply erode public faith in the electoral process . Abdullah also spoke about his long-held view that the current dual model of governance in Jammu and Kashmir is "not an ideal form of government". Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Others Data Science Technology Public Policy healthcare Management Leadership CXO Healthcare Finance Project Management others Artificial Intelligence Product Management Degree MBA MCA Data Science Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details "What happened on July 14 was shameful. It should never have happened," Abdullah told PTI while referring to an incident at the Martyrs' Graveyard where he and his party colleagues were allegedly manhandled by police. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Abdullah cautioned that the "implications and its ramifications will be felt long after" and said if "an elected head of government is being treated that way, imagine what that means for the regular citizens". He voiced deep concern that the incident could lead to widespread disillusionment among voters. "Already I know for a fact that there are people who voted in the last two elections who are today asking themselves whether it was worth voting at all," he said. Live Events "It's not about me, it's not about the individual. It's about the office, it's about the institution, it's about the implications. And none of this bodes well for Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah said He also took a dig at the BJP, highlighting what he perceived as hypocrisy. He said that the BJP itself was part of a government that commemorated similar events between 2015 and 2018. "At that time, why did they not say all this? Because they wanted the fruits of power. So what does that tell you about their commitment and their ideology?" he asked. Responding to criticism from the BJP on the comparison of 1931 martyrs with those killed by Britishers at Jallianwala Bagh , Abdullah said, "I don't agree with anything the BJP says or does. And they don't agree with what I do. Which is fine. That's the difference in our politics." Abdullah also spoke about the ongoing discussions between his government and the Lt Governor's administration aimed at resolving operational differences, particularly concerning the long-awaited "business rules" that would clearly delineate powers and responsibilities within the Union territory's governance structure. He said that his government has not overstepped its boundaries under the J&K Reorganisation Act and has not sought to intrude into the LG's expressly defined domains.
The Print
a day ago
- Politics
- The Print
Abdullah blames Pak for continued terror in J-K, says it needs to rethink stance in wake of India's ‘act of war' warning
'No matter what we do, if Pakistan's intent is inimical, then we will never fully achieve a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. And I think Pahalgam has proven that,' Abdullah said. In an interview with PTI, Abdullah dismissed the narrative that the abrogation of Article 370 was the solution to terrorism in the region, asserting that the recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, had starkly proven this false. Srinagar, Jul 20 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has unequivocally stated that Pakistan's 'inimical intentions' remain the most formidable challenge to achieving a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning Islamabad that India now views any terror attack as an act of war. 'The BJP tried very hard to sell this narrative that terror in Jammu and Kashmir was the result of Article 370. We know that's not true. Terror in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of Pakistan's intentions. And therefore, that's why the removal of Article 370 did not stop terror in Jammu and Kashmir,' he said. The chief minister emphasised that the onus is now on Pakistan to reassess its strategy and highlighted a critical shift in New Delhi's posture, warning that the Indian government has set a 'very low bar' for what constitutes an act of aggression. 'The biggest challenge will be to convince Pakistan that its support for these sorts of activities is bad for us, but it's bad for Pakistan,' Abdullah stressed. 'And given now the sort of very low bar that the Government of India has set, that any attack will be seen as an act of war, Pakistan needs to seriously think about whether it wants to plunge the neighbourhood into a war.' On the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mainly tourists, Abdullah acknowledged Lt Governor Manoj Sinha's admission of a 'security and intelligence failure' and termed it as a positive first step. However, he asserted that it was 'not good enough.' He said, '26 people died. 26 innocent people were brutally murdered. Where were the lapses? This Pahalgam incident brought two nations, two nuclear powers to war.' 'As a first step, it is appreciable that the Lt Governor (Manoj Sinha) has said that he is responsible. But down the chain of command, accountability has to be fixed, since we know now that it was a security and intelligence lapse. The next step would be to fix responsibility. And then heads must roll,' he said. Post Pahalgam, the chief minister expressed optimism to a question whether his government could balance the fragile peace with the vital need to revive tourism saying, 'We have to trust our forces to do what is right and to ensure that any gaps that have been identified as a result of Pahalgam are plugged.' He stressed about his government's push to restart tourism, saying 'tourism is an important part of JK's economy' and said a vast number of jobs and its appeal as a destination people genuinely want to visit. The recent, gradual return of tourists was a heartening sign, a testament to the active efforts of his government to participate in events across the country to bring them back. About the security audit of tourist spots, he said, 'Not that it should be done, it was being done… and those have gradually started to be reopened, and I am hopeful that after Amarnath Yatra, most of the other ones that are closed will also be reopened.' The closures, he noted, were an anomaly. 'We have never had tourist destinations closed,' he said, a hint of disbelief in his voice. 'Even in the worst of days, tourist destinations were not closed.' He presented a stark choice. Either the situation was now far worse than it had been 10 or 15 years ago, which he believed was not the case, or a considered decision needed to be made. 'If that's not the case, then we need to sort of take a considered decision, and post-Amarnath Yatra, start reopening all the closed areas,' he concluded, making it clear that a return to a full sense of normalcy was both necessary and long overdue. PTI SKL RT RT This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
