Ashok Kak—- Kashmir’s Cultural Icon

(By: Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo)

Among one of the surviving artists of Kashmir’s exalted and most popular daily radio soap opera “Zoondab” which has now become the cultural statement of sorts, the artist, Ashok Kak known as “Ismaal” the affable, meek and wayward simpleton, adolescent who served as the domestic help to “Aga Saeb” is respected as a cultural icon in Kashmir so much so that he chose to remain and serve in Kashmir during the period post 1990s. He continues to breathe life into the roles he is assigned.

Zoondab’s Ismaal

Not only has he been part of the healthy infotainment provided by Radio Kashmir (now All India Radio) Srinagar, he has independently made forays into the whole process of drama production and donned the roles of writer, producer and the artist respectively. His character in the Zoondab, which made him a star, is now part of the folklore of Kashmir. His journey as `Ismaal’ in the most popular Zoondab is continuing. Spotted by Kashmir’s broadcasting legends Som Nath Sadhu, Pran Kishore, Bansi Nirdosh and others, Ashok Kak was offered the role of an adolescent domestic help initially. A specific drooling and dialogue dragging style invented as a cliché “LAGAY BALAAY” by him endeared him to Kashmiris of all age groups. Everyone would imitate and copy him. Ashok Kak was so consumed by the passion and the adulation; he could not think anything else but the dramas. His total commitment coupled with his  dedication took him to every nook and corner in Kashmir valley and outside where he presented his craft mainly as a comedian. His puns and satires were unique and legendary. He got fixed as the stock character in the serial Zoondab, which continuously ran for decades. Radio Kashmir Srinagar felt the need to absorb him as a permanent staffer, a position he richly deserved and earned. The journey since then has been eventful. Countless dramas written and presented by him both for the audio and the visual medium besides exploring their potential through the medium of theatre have become hot topics for academic research. His experimentations in a highly evolving field like theatre and dramas have made him a professional in this field and his adaptations have enabled him to stay relevant.

Ashok Kak as Drama  Writer

Some of his dramas besides his first written drama ‘Mokjar’ which  have carved a niche in Kashmir’s cultural landscape include ‘Anokhay Lal’ , ‘Gari Pethie Zaamtur’, ‘Kanjoos’, ‘Adrie Zaet’,  `Intequaam’, ‘ Drama Te Haqeeqat’ besides many others.

His visions were broadened and after familiarising himself with the developments in the field of drama in India and elsewhere he has imbibed the craft so much so that he is sought as a counsel by the established drama groups in Kashmir.

Ashok Kak has worked hard to get to the position he is enjoying in the hearts of Kashmiris but very few accolades have come his way. He continues to be the underrated Drama legend in the eyes of the government, though the civil society in Kashmir respects him as a cultural icon.