Kashmiri Music Legend Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, ‘Hamle Bulbul’, Passes Away

Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, affectionately known as Hamle Bulbul, the celebrated torchbearer of Kashmiri folk music and culture, passed away on June 11, 2025, in his ancestral village of Dangiwacha Rafiabad, Baramulla. Revered for his soulful voice, exceptional mastery over the sarangi, and contributions to preserving Kashmiri lok sangeet, Shah’s demise marks the end of a golden era in Kashmir’s artistic and cultural history.

Why in News?

Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, one of the most revered figures in Kashmir’s cultural and musical scene, passed away on June 11, 2025. He was instrumental in promoting and preserving Kashmiri folk music, both at national and international levels. His passing has been described as a monumental loss to the artistic community of Jammu and Kashmir.

About Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah

• Popularly known as Hamle Bulbul for his melodious voice and deep-rooted connection to Kashmir’s cultural soul.
• Hailed from Dangiwacha Rafiabad, Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Worked with the Department of Information, J&K Government, for over three decades.

Contributions to Music and Culture

• Played a key role in representing Kashmiri folk music nationally and internationally.

Promoted traditional forms like,

• Bacha Nagma – a traditional Kashmiri folk dance
• Glass dance – balancing a glass of water on the head while dancing
• Sarangi recitals – showcasing classical Kashmiri string music
• Inspired generations of local artists to pursue and preserve folk traditions.
• Deeply embedded Kashmiri lived experiences and ethos in his performances.

Awards and Recognition

• Honored with the Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Award (2011) for contributions to Kashmiri Lok Sangeet.
• Received numerous cultural accolades throughout his life for elevating Kashmiri music.

Tributes and Legacy

• Referred to as the “Bulbul of Kashmiri music” by peers and government officials.
• Widely mourned across Jammu and Kashmir as a cultural icon whose voice resonated across generations.
• Left behind a rich legacy of Kashmiri folk traditions that will continue to inspire.