Meet Waqar Khan`s Journey from Gold Medalist to Composer, Singer and Politician.

Waqar Khan is one of the most underrated singers, Composers from Jammu and Kashmir Valley, he is famous for his beautiful voice, Waqar khan has successfully established himself among the best artists of Jammu and Kashmir.

Waqar Khan 25, was born in Karnah, located in Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir. His euphonious voice and humble stage presence have made him one of the most loved singers and performers of Jammu and Kashmir. His expansive exploration, mindful attention to the convoluted details both in terms of the notes and expression, makes his singing reasonably scrumptious.

He predominantly sings in various languages like Urdu, Punjabi, Pahari, and Kashmiri.

“I sing to keep my mother tongue alive which has been forgotten by my own people. I also keep a lot of hope that my singing will revive the lost language,” Khan hopes.

Coming from a distant border area of Karnah, Waqar khan has successfully established himself among the best artists of Jammu and Kashmir. Khan did his early schooling from police public school Srinagar, later got admission to BGSBU Rajouri to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree; furthermore this young and talented singer is also brilliant in studies. He had ranked first in his bachelor and secured University gold medal for himself.

Being famously recognized as the masters of mellifluous melodies that have lasting value and charm, Waqar Khan has developed into a knockout of songsters, one whose voice can craft any tune into a soulful song. His singing and vocal magic can be well-defined as astonishing, prevailing, and breathtaking. Waqar showed an inclination towards music at a very early stage; Khan was always aspired to be a vocalist.

However, the positive and promising feedbacks he attained from his friends and fellows further enhanced his self-assurance, and he started contributing and taking part in different singing contests and events, subsequently performing at his concerned institutions and several other competitive events, he kept himself drifted towards the passion of music and singing.

Waqar showed an inclination towards music at a very early stage; Khan was always aspired to be a vocalist. However, the positive and promising feedbacks he attained from his friends and fellows further enhanced his self-assurance, and he started contributing and taking part in different singing contests and events, subsequently performing at his concerned institutions and several other competitive events, he kept himself drifted towards the passion of music and singing. He also sang and performed at different intercollegiate events and many state-level competitions like “Choona hai aasmaan,” “Kashmir Idol,” “Anmol Rattan” etc. and always came up with overwhelming victories.

The Valley has seen a surge in a new breed of young singers and musicians, who are successfully mixing folk music and poetry with modern melody (fusion).

The 25-year-old he has, undoubtedly, proven himself as an exceptional talent. His Pahari songs are equally popular in both parts of the divided Kashmir, while his fascinating voice and command over the notes and expressions of Urdu Gazals have made him famous in and outside Kashmir.

Waqar Khan is also known as ‘Kashmir’s Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’ for resurrecting some famous songs such as ‘Kali Kali Zulfon …’ of the legendary Pakistani singer. However, his popularity in his tribe is mostly because of his talent for intermingling Pahari folks with modern compositions like Gham kha gya,Tussi Nikka Nikka Hasde ho’ something which has never been done by anyone before him.

Khan is an ardent follower of singer and composer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, He tried his hand on resurrecting some famous songs of the legend NFAK which are being widely appreciated and loved by the audience.

Besides winning several singing competitions across the country, Waqar Khan, along with other five singers, has also represented India in “Ethno India”, an international workshop on music in 2015.

“Participating in such a great musical event was one of the wonderful moments in my professional career, so far,” he told.

He shifted to Srinagar for early schooling at Police Public School where his teacher noticed his beautiful voice during school functions. After receiving appreciation from school staff, Waqar realised he needed to polish his raw talent to emerge successful in music.

Today, the young singer is a household name in Kashmir and is popular on his social media platforms.

In an interview with Rising Kashmir's Misabah Bhat, singer Waqar Khan walks us through his beautiful journey in music.

What made you decide to pursue a career in music?

My musical journey began when I was in school. I used to participate in school functions. My teachers in the school were the ones who noticed that I have a good voice and I can sing very well. I believe every individual has a hidden talent which needs to be discovered. I started doing live concerts from a very small age.

It all started as a hobby and with time this hobby of mine became a passion for me. I realized music is something in which I can excel, and I should opt for it professionally.

Did you receive any training for singing?

Yes, I have received training in Delhi from Ustad Abdul Aziz Khan Sahab from the Patiala Gharana. I took training in Indian Classical music from him. Initially, my training started from school only. I had some music teachers there who used to teach me.

The response to your song “Kali Kali Zulfon” which was originally sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has been overwhelming. How does that make you feel and tell us more about that song?

Initially, I was not doing music on YouTube or any other social media platform. In 2018, I started to do it commercially on different platforms.

I decided to record a song on YouTube and wanted to release it so that people can listen to it. I selected “Kali Kali Zulfon” because this song is sung by my favourite singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. When we recorded the song and we set a target like we will get maybe some thousand views and some subscribers after this song. We kept it nominal and achievable. But the response we got for this song was unbelievable, people liked this song, and it was unexpected. Within months, we got millions of views on YouTube for that song.

It was indeed a great achievement for me, as a newbie it was overwhelming because I had just recorded my first song which within no time became a hit. The love and response of people motivated me to do better in future and I never stopped and looked back from that point of time.

What projects have you done till now?

I have done songs in Urdu, Punjabi, Kashmiri and Pahadi. Some of them are Maayi Chani, Taqdeer, Gham Kha Geya, Salam Jolda, Tussi Nikka Nikka Hasde Ho, Chalo Maante Hain, Dil-e-umeed, Kaali Kaali Zulfon, Naseeba Khol De Mera, Kachi Kali and many more.

Every month I release a song for my listeners. I have done a big collaboration recently which I cannot reveal now because it has not been released yet.

What kind of singer would you classify yourself as?

I would say Sufi and Folk. My primary genre is Sufi, I believe Sufi literature connects you to the people and it disseminates a message of love and peace in the society. Music is a universal language; it does not matter to which community or place you belong to. Music is the same for everyone. So, I am a Sufi singer primarily and I keep trying Folk as well.

What has been the best performance of your career so far?

In 2015, a song of mine grabbed the attention of a producer based in Delhi. He called me to Delhi for a live concert and performing there was a big deal for me as I had no idea how to perform in between thousands of people but it turned out to be well.

It was a memorable performance for me and because of that performance I got a scholarship by the name “Ethno India” which is an international workshop in which best musicians and singers participate from every part of the world. I was amongst the five singers who represented India in that workshop.

Who has been your inspiration?

There are many but if I talk about musical inspiration, it is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I grew up listening to him. Some local artists from Karnah as well, their stories are inspiring because when they used to sing there were no resources available. They worked hard on our language and folk music.

What are your goals as a singer?

I want my language to get recognized throughout the whole world. My primary focus is the regional language Pahadi. Kashmiri music is becoming famous in many places. I, as a singer, want to do everything that will make Kashmiri songs heard in other places as well.

What struggles did you face during your journey?

Struggles began at home only. It was difficult to convince my parents because they had a notion that music has no future. And on top of that I had already left my government job as a teacher in Karnah for the passion of music. There was a lack of awareness, they had no idea what music is all about. I had to fight with them to chase my dreams but now they are supporting me as they see I am doing good in this field.

Also, there were no platforms available, but things got better because of social media. It is not easy for every singer to go to Mumbai, stay there, struggle and then get a chance. Social media has made things easier, and it has been a great benefit to us. So, whatever I am today is because of social media.

Acknowledged for being easily accessible to his fans whenever possible; Khan said he might do something special for his music lovers in coming days, he said that probably you would find me in something exciting and worthy of your entertainment, In coming days Khan is scheduled to treat his fans with some new songs and engaging projects. Looking ahead and waiting for more and more soulful renditions from Waqar khan.

Political Career

Emerging singer from Jammu and Kashmir Waqar Khan joined the National Conference (NC) here on Friday 18 Nov 2022. “Prominent social activist and youth icon @im_waqarkhan along with scores of his supporters joined JKNC in presence Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah,”

NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq welcomed the young singer to the party saying, “With sheer hard work and his songs, he has won millions of hearts. You are a youth icon and I wish you all the best in serving the people,” Sadiq said. Locals, however, are sceptical about Khan improving the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections.

Waqar Khan Nominated As Zonal President Youth National Conference For North Zone Kashmir

Kupwara, Aug 08.23: In a major political development, National Conference on Tuesday nominated Pahari Youth Leader from Karnah Waqar Khan as Zonal President Youth National Conference for North Zone Kashmir.

In a communique received here which reads "As approved by competent authority Mr. Waqar Ahmad Khan- a prominent youth figure from Karnah is nominated as Zonal President Youth National Conference North Zone",

He was nominated in presence of Omar Abdullah, Salman Ali Sagar, Nasir Sogami, Nasir Nazir Lone and other party bearers.

In the meantime, several delegations including party bearers have extended their heartiest greetings to Khan and have expected for the betterment to the party.