New Delhi: Singers, dancers and artists from across Kashmir are gathering in Kupwara to audition for Kashmir Got Talent, a competition being held in the north Kashmir district for the first time.
Auditions began at Government Degree College on Sunday, 8 November, with performers hoping to make it to the grand finale on 11 November.
The event is being organised by the Indian Army, the Kupwara district administration and production company Taha Film International. According to Kupwara Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, more than 350 people had registered by 4 November, and participants of all ages are welcome.
A report by DD News from Kupwara showed standees announcing the competition along the approach to the audition room. Children and young people could be seen waiting in queues, attending briefings and preparing for their turns. The report also showed glimpses of performances and judges discussing the auditions.
One young singer spoke about what the competition’s arrival in the district meant to her.
“This is a big opportunity for all of us because Kashmir Got Talent is happening in Kupwara for the first time,” she said.
“I love singing, so I’ve come today to try my luck and see what happens.”
More than singing and dancing
The competition is not limited to music and dance. It also includes painting, drawing, calligraphy, and traditional Kashmiri folk performances.
Salika Tariq, another contestant interviewed by DD News, said she was particularly excited about the celebrities expected to visit Kupwara.
“So many Bollywood actors and so many choreographers, legendary singers, dancers, they’re also coming here for this show. So it’s a very large platform for everyone,” she said.
Singer Kumar Sanu and actor-producer Harman Baweja are among the guests expected to attend.
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A platform for talent in a border district
Abhishek Sharma said the district had considerable talent but limited opportunities for young artists. As a remote border district, Kupwara has fewer platforms for aspiring performers than larger cities such as Srinagar, Jammu and Delhi.
“The benefit of this is that many people can’t afford to go elsewhere, so this will be especially important for those kids,” he told ANI.
Kashmir Got Talent is the latest in a series of cultural programmes organised by the Indian Army in the district. In September, it held an inter-college skit competition. In June, it organised Jashn-e-Kupwara, a festival featuring Kashmiri music, dance and other cultural performances.
India’s Got Talent first aired on Colors in 2009 and went on to become one of the country’s best-known talent competitions. It is part of Simon Cowell’s international Got Talent franchise, which has been adapted in many countries.
Kashmir Got Talent, however, is a locally organised competition.
(Edited by Maryam Hassan)