Aziz Bhai: The Voice That Roared Across Borders

Manohar Prothi---He was tweeting with his voice—causing ripples across enemy lines.

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Remembering Manohar Prothi, Kashmir’s legendary broadcaster who fought propaganda with his voice

At a time when India-Pakistan relations have plunged to a new low—following the brutal massacre of tourists at Pahalgam on April 22—and when social media is flooded with digital warfare led by influencers and content creators, one can’t help but recall a figure from a different era.

A figure who, long before the age of Twitter battles and viral hashtags, fought misinformation not with keystrokes but with a commanding voice that reverberated across mountains and borders.

That man was Manohar Prothi (1935–2017), better known as “Aziz Bhai” of Waadi Ki Awaaz. He wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was Kashmir’s very own “tweeter of yesteryears,” whose voice struck like a thunderclap against every wave of propaganda emanating from across the border.

^{Manohar Prothi — The Sentinel with a Microphone}. ^{(Pic Credits: Rajesh Prothi)}

It’s been eight years since he left us, yet his memory refuses to fade. His voice still rings in the ears of those who once tuned in religiously, especially in these turbulent times when psychological warfare has taken newer forms.

“Aziz Bhai”—a name etched into every Kashmiri household on both sides of the divide—was more than a radio host. He was the soul of a region, a trusted companion at 4 PM every day, when his programme for the security forces became a daily ritual in homes, camps, and bunkers alike.

^{Manohar Prothi — In the company of another legendary broadcaster, Uma Khosa}

But beyond the airwaves, Manohar Prothi was an artist, a cultural icon. His portrayal of Yousuf Chak in the legendary play on Habba Khatun, and his performances in theatrical masterpieces like Khazan Ke Phool, Kabhi Nahin and Lala Rukh, cemented his status as a pillar of Kashmir’s artistic heritage.

A master broadcaster, Prothi’s popularity could be measured by the flood of letters Radio Kashmir received—some even adorned with dried flowers sent by listeners from across the border. Generations imitated his style; none could match his range or magnetic modulation.

Starting his broadcasting journey as a child, Prothi’s voice became the soundtrack of Kashmir’s mornings, afternoons, and turbulent nights. Even after migrating to Jammu in 1990, he remained a beloved figure, his voice a familiar comfort on Radio Kashmir Jammu.

For over four decades, he helmed The Forces Programme, a daily staple that bridged soldiers and civilians. Yet, it was his role as “Bhai Jaan” in the Children’s Programme and ultimately as “Aziz Bhai” in Waadi Ki Awaaz that turned him into a legend—a voice heard from Srinagar to Skardu, from Baramulla to Muzaffarabad.

“He Had Admirers Everywhere”

Fayyaz Sheharyar, former Director General of All India Radio, once remarked:

“Aziz Bhai had no enemies, perhaps no friends either, but admirers—he had them everywhere. He was wedded to broadcasting, living by the highest professional ethics, even at the cost of his family’s interests.”

Such was his dedication: unwavering, uncompromising, unforgettable.

^{No friends, no foes–only with his admirer, Farooq Abdullah}

A Voice That Fought a Psychological War

In an era when microphones were mightier than missiles, “Waadi Ki Awaaz” wasn’t just a radio show; it was a psychological weapon. Manohar Prothi’s stirring broadcasts countered hostile narratives, inspiring hope, and bolstering morale not just in Kashmir but deep into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

His son, Rajesh Prothi, fondly recalls his father’s command over Urdu—a language he never formally studied but mastered like a poet. That fluency, combined with his resonant delivery, made every broadcast a blend of artistry and activism.

Today, as India grapples with newer, faster forms of propaganda in the digital age, one wishes for a voice like Manohar Prothi’s—steady, powerful, persuasive.

We need voices—not just loud, but wise; not just heard, but felt. We need the spirit of “Aziz Bhai,” whose every word was a tweet before Twitter, every sentence a counter to misinformation. In today’s language, he went viral every single day. Without WiFi. Without reels. Just pure voice power. He didn’t need trending hashtags to make an impact. He didn’t chase followers—followers came to him.

While mediums have changed, the battle of narratives remains the same. In an era of disinformation, troll farms, and cyber manipulation, we need voices like Manohar Prothi’s—calm, credible, courageous.

Kashmir Rechords

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View Comments

Manohar Dhar says:

4 May, 2025 at 4:37 am

I do recall his contribution as an impressive Broadcaster in "Wadhi Ki Awaaz"
Today when Pakistan is busy in waging a Psychological media war with India ,soul Like Prohti is required to counter it
May his soul rest in Peace.
jai Hind Jai Bharat 🙏