Shameem Azad

Shameem Azad, often referred to as the "Melody Queen of Kashmir," was born on May 25, 1955, in Srinagar, Kashmir, to a cultured and orthodox family. Her father, Muhammad Abdullah Dev, was a well-known intellectual and poet. Shameem Azad is celebrated for her contributions to Kashmiri light and folk music, showcasing her mastery over Swara, Laya, and Tala. She was a top-grade artist at All India Radio Kashmir and Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, where she developed her soothing voice and talent. Some of her notable works include the hit song "Kashmir Mere Jannat-e-Kashmir." She is married to Ghulam Nabi Azad, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and has received several awards for her music, including the Padma Shri in 2005. Her recent releases include "Tarakhmaal," "Ek Baar Muskura Do," and "Best of Kashmiri - Sehjhaar Virasatyar Lokchar Alav."

Shameem Azad is also known for her versatile vocal quality, having recorded albums of Kashmiri ghazals, folk songs, and filmi songs. She holds a master's degree in Indian classical music from Allahabad University and began her career as a lecturer in music in 1978. She has been a key figure in preserving and uplifting the cultural heritage of Kashmir through her music. Her skillful abilities and devotion to purity and oral tradition have inspired her to compose and sing her own songs, enriching Kashmiri folk and light music.

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