Kanwal Kishore Jalla—an Unsung Ghazal Singer from Kashmir
- Appeal to Readers: Help in discovering our unsung heroes
Throughout history, there have been countless individuals whose remarkable contributions have been overlooked, overshadowed or forgotten. These unsung heroes, often marginalized due to one reason or the other, have made significant impacts on society, yet their stories have remained largely untold. Such unsung heroes even exist in Jammu and Kashmir and very few are aware of their contribution—for the reason that nothing has unfortunately been written about them.
It is time to shine a light on these overlooked figures, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and ensuring their place in the annals of history. Kashmir Rechords has decided to find such unsung heroes who have been marginalized but deserve recognition for their resilience and contributions to their communities and beyond.
Kanwal Kishore Jalla, a noted singer from Kashmir is one such unsung hero who has remained underrepresented in historical records. Despite frantic efforts by Kashmir Rechords and approaching so many individuals, nothing much could be known about this unsung hero, except the fact that he was an acclaimed singer on the panel of Radio Kashmir, since 1959 until 1983 when his Ghazals/songs were frequently broadcast there.
When Jalla was mistaken as Dev Anand
Noted Broadcaster and former Secretary J&K Cultural Academy, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi recalls that during his headship of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar, he used to listen to Ghazals sung by K K Jalla. “After that never heard him… perhaps I was shifted to Delhi or maybe I am not now in regular touch with radio’’, says Dr Masoodi.
He recalled an anecdote of 1986 when three legends—Bhajan Sopori, Vijay Malla and Ghulam Nabi Sheikh had assembled in Studio- 06 of Radio Kashmir Srinagar along with Kanwal Kishore Jalla for some composition. “At the first sight I thought he ( Jalla Ji ) is Dev Anand Sahab as his hair style, shirt ,tie(knot) and tight trousers that too Yellow, looked like him only. But when I heard them speaking Kashmiri, I was later told by Bhajan ji about Kanwal Kishore Jalla’’, recalls Dr Masoodi, while comparing Jalla Ji’s singing style with that of Talat Sahab .
Kanwal Kishore Jalla had also sung some patriotic songs particularly during 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars. After migration, it seems, he had abruptly gone into oblivion and nothing is further known about this singer.
Kashmir Rechords thus appeals to all its esteemed readers, who might be knowing about this unsung hero to contact us with authentic details and send the same on kashmirrechords@gmail.com or support@kashmir-rechords.com. The readers may also forward the same message/write-up to their acquaintances in other groups/social media platforms so that further information is obtained to update story on this unsung hero from Kashmir.
Bringing attention to these overlooked figures is crucial in reshaping historical narratives and acknowledging the diverse tapestry of human achievement. By amplifying the stories of these unsung heroes, we honour their legacies, inspire future generations, and strive for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history. It is imperative that we actively seek out, celebrate, and preserve the stories of those who have been marginalized, ensuring that their contributions are no longer consigned to the shadows of history.
Readers can also share stories about similar unsung heroes with Kashmir Rechords. We promise to publish them with due credit to the contributors.
Comments
Hassan Kashmiri—Lucknow’s playwright of yesteryears - Kashmir Rechords
[…] Heroes’’, we tried to highlight the contribution of Vasudev Reh, a far-sighted poet and Kanwal Kishore Jalla, an unsung Ghazal singer from Kashmir who had remained underrepresented in historical records. Today, we have traced out Ghulam Hassan […]
Chandni Mathur
It was wonderful to know about the great singer the unsung hero
Karpagavalli Preetam
Hearty congratulations dear Sir. SUPER proud of your dedication towards the world of music. God bless you.
Nidhi Virmani
What an incredible personality!
Veena Nair
Great
Shalu
Great gazal singer.
Pradeep Govindan Nair
What a wonderful discovery of an unsung musical hero from Kashmir. It is so fascinating to learn about ‘Kanwal Kishore Jalla’ and his contributions as a gifted Ghazal singer on Radio Kashmir for many years. We must applaud Kashmir Rechords for their efforts to shine light on overlooked figures like Mr. Jalla and preserve their important legacy. I’m sure my dear friend ‘Kamod Jalla Bhat’ must feel immense pride learning about their uncle’s accomplishments. It gives me hope that through initiatives by Kashmir Rechords, more of these inspiring stories from the past can be found and celebrated. Hats off to the editorial team for bringing deserved attention to unsung heroes who have enriched Kashmiri culture. Their dedication to discovering truth and reshaping history is greatly admirable.
Kashmir Rechords
Thanks for your response…. We pledge to find and bring more such unsung heroes to the limelight.
Kamod Jalla Bhat
Dear Kashmir Rechcords—–I am his daughter named Kamod Jalla Bhat Living presently in Dubai{UAE}
Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your wonderful write-up for my father Shri Kanwal Kishore Jalla. He is so glad to know that Kashmir Rechcords are writing about unsung Musicians Ghazal singers of Kashmir. I will write to you and Email you soon. He presently lives in Jammu{Janipur}.
Thank you once again.
Warm regards
Kamod Jalla Bhat.
Kashmir Rechords
It is a great news for us…. Our story could locate the gem!… Your response makes a success story for us. Thanks for your response.
Fadil Shababudeen
Truly fascinating and inspiring to see these many works. Will definitely love to play his piece in our middle school choir someday.
Vinny Sharma
Great job 👏👏
Vinny Sharma
Great job 👏
Sumbul Sabahi
Great
Param Yadav
I am introduced to this heart touching effort of discovering of our unsung hero’s, by a friend, Arun Bhat. I have known Arun and Kamod Jalla Bhat for over 20 years and see how Kamod has continued her passion for संगीत और नृत्य, While leaving away from motherland.
I am filled with fragrance of memories for my earlier years when I was young and listened to Ghazals. This is a beautiful effort and keep uncovering, discovering, our unsung hero’s.
Ranjana Tiku
I have known him since my childhood, he has been an inspiration. Good to see that Kashmir Rechords is making an effort to locate such forgotten heroes.