Within the celestial realm of music, where ethereal and earthly harmonize in perfect accord, dwells a melodic time capsule suffused with nostalgia and artistic brilliance—Pt. Vijay Kumar Malla. Like the resplendent valleys of Kashmir, his vocal resonance traversed the seventies and early eighties, ensnaring listeners far and wide within its enchanting spell. His melodies, intricately woven tapestries of emotion, captured the very essence of love, yearning, and life’s bittersweet symphony.
Born amidst the timeless splendor of Kashmir’s Valley, Vijay Malla’s musical journey unfurled like the unfolding of a delicate saffron blossom. Nurtured within the rich cultural heritage that permeated the region, he imbibed the rhythmic cadences of traditional music and poetry, echoing through the annals of time. It was within this cradle of melodious grandeur that the seeds of his future stardom were sown.
Even from a tender age, this prodigious talent showcased his exceptional prowess in cultural performances sponsored by All India Radio and DoorDarshan Kendra Srinagar, consistently claiming the coveted first position. At the tender age of ten, he embarked upon his formal musical odyssey, seeking guidance from the esteemed institution of Prem Sangeet Niketan. Under their tutelage, his musical abilities blossomed, and he embarked upon an exploration of the intricate realms of melody and rhythm.
The embrace of classical music, an art form steeped in tradition and revered for its intricacies, soon found its way into his repertoire. Pt Brij Kishen Shair became his guiding light, leading him down the path of this timeless genre. The allure of Ghazals, with their soul-stirring poetry, enticed him as well, prompting him to seek the guidance of the renowned Pt Vishnu Puran Dhar, honing his skills in this expressive form.
Before Vijay Malla ascended to prominence, his commanding and exceptional mastery of singing became the reason for his popularity across all age groups. A tale from bygone days, narrated by his dear friend Mr. Piaray Lal Pandita, recounts the moment when a Bengali singer named Das Gupta chanced upon the mellifluous tones of Vijay Ji’s voice and was profoundly captivated by its resplendence.
A few days later, Das Gupta was scheduled to perform at an esteemed Army unit in Badami Bagh, where high-ranking officials had gathered. Impressed by Vijay Ji’s vocal prowess, he extended an invitation to him as well. It was on that fateful day that Malla Sahab rendered the timeless song “Lagga Chunri,” leaving the entire audience, including the army officials, awe-inspired by his performance. From that day forward, Vijay Malla became an esteemed guest at every function held at Badami Bagh, receiving special invitations and accolades from all.
During the era of the late seventies and early eighties, a prominent musician named Indu Bushan Kaul, renowned for his mastery of the flute and mandolin, invited Vijay Ji to perform at a momentous wedding ceremony. It was on this auspicious occasion that Malla Sahab graced the gathering with his enchanting renditions of ghazals by legendary artists Mehdi Hassan and Gulam Ali. Among the attendees was the then producer of the TV center, Mr. Ashok Jailkhani, who was deeply moved by the soulful expressions emanating from Vijay Ji’s melodious voice. Impressed beyond measure, he fervently requested a meeting the next day at the TV center and arranged for Vijay Ji’s inaugural performance there. “kawo chukh ch wadus dalan tathi yaroo”
From that propitious day forward, Vijay Malla’s journey knew no bounds as his demand for live performances in Kashmir skyrocketed. This was a period of transition in Kashmiri music, with renowned music directors such as Mohammad Ashraf Khan and Bhajan Sopori boldly experimenting with new styles of compositions, which soon garnered immense popularity. His immortalized renditions of songs such as “zind rozun bapat chi maran lukh,” “na drav nachney hawas kanh,” and “kawo chukh chi wadus dalan”
“Akh cht beyi b ganzir mba ” serve as classic examples of the great singer’s ability to infuse these songs with his soulful and melodious voice. Vijay Malla Sahab always considered himself a student of music, seeking guidance from esteemed Ustads. When he shifted to Mumbai, he encountered several gurus from whom he learned the intricacies of music. Notably, he met Ustad Rahat Ali Khan, a maestro in Ghazal singing, who bestowed his wisdom upon the budding talent. The invaluable teachings of Ustad Rahat Ali Khan infused Malla’s renditions with a newfound depth and emotional resonance. Additionally, under the tutelage of the esteemed music director Noshed Ali Khan from Mumbai, Vijay Kumar Malla’s musical journey took flight. Like a fledgling bird embracing the boundless skies, Malla nurtured his talent with unwavering dedication and a thirst for perfection, transforming his voice into an instrument of divine resonance, weaving tales of love, yearning, and transcendence.
Acknowledgment of his remarkable talent soon followed, as the Academic Institute of Music and Fine Arts honored him for his exceptional contributions as a playback singer in various music operas. His mesmerizing voice resonated through enchanting cities such as Hyderabad, Mysore, Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, and Delhi, leaving audiences spellbound.
Not content with confining his performances to limited stages, he sought to collaborate with legends of the music industry. Anwar, Penaz Masani, Manhar, Anup Jalota, and Pankaj Udhas became his esteemed companions on the grand stage, their voices blending harmoniously to create moments of sheer magic.
With his captivating presence and enthralling performances, he became a cherished participant in the vibrant Kalyan ji-Anand ji and Ravinder Jain nights in the bustling city of Mumbai, where the confluence of talent and passion converged to create extraordinary musical experiences.
Recognizing his immense potential, Music India Limited signed him, unlocking new opportunities. Participating in the illustrious Khazana 87 and 88, he showcased his musical prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witnessed his enchanting performances. Music India Limited also released his celebrated cassette, “JUSTAJU,” which garnered immense praise and adoration from an appreciative audience.
One unforgettable night, in the presence of the legendary Ustad Mehdi Hassan Khan Sahib, Vijay Kumar Malla took center stage. The air shimmered with anticipation as he unleashed his soulful melodies, captivating not only the audience but also the maestro himself. In a moment of serendipity, Ustad Mehdi Hassan Khan Sahib expressed his desire to mentor the gifted singer, recognizing the spark of greatness within him. However, destiny had other plans, as Malla’s personal circumstances compelled him to decline the offer, leaving the maestro’s heart brimming with admiration and respect.
The soulful timbre of his voice possessed a rare ability to touch hearts, transcending language barriers and melting even the sternest of souls. Vijay Malla’s velvety voice blended seamlessly with the lilting notes of the santoor, the resounding beats of the tabla, and the haunting melodies of the rabab, creating a symphony that was uniquely Kashmiri.
His songs, an enchanting fusion of traditional folk and contemporary melodies, evoked a myriad of emotions. They had the power to transport listeners to a world where love bloomed in every verse, where heartache was sung with tender melancholy, and where the tapestry of life was woven with poetic finesse. Vijay Malla’s honeyed vocals breathed life into the works of legendary Kashmiri poets like Mahmud Gami, Rasool Mir, and Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor, infusing their verses with a renewed vitality that transcended time.
As the nineties waned, Vijay Malla’s mellifluous melodies gradually faded from the airwaves, replaced by the clamor of modernity taking center stage. Yet, his voice remained etched in the collective memory of a generation, a poignant reminder of a bygone era when music resonated with raw emotions and melodies were born from the depths of the soul.
Today, the mere utterance of Vijay Malla’s name evokes a wave of nostalgia, summoning memories of a simpler time when the world seemed to slow down, and hearts swayed to the rhythm of his songs. His legacy as a Kashmiri singer remains timeless, a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the core of our being.
Vijay Malla, the maestro of Kashmiri melodies, may have retreated into the sepia-toned pages of history, but his music lingers on, echoing through the valleys and resounding in the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness his enchanting reign. In a world that relentlessly spins forward, his songs serve as a reminder of the beauty and poignancy that lies within the melodies of the past, forever etched in the tapestry of Kashmiri cultural heritage.
However, as Malla’s musical journey unfolded, he encountered unforeseen challenges. Following his migration to Jammu in 1990, the officials at Radio Kashmir seemed to have turned a deaf ear to his mesmerizing talent. Astonishingly, they failed to extend a single invitation for recording sessions until 2009, leaving a void in the musical landscape that resonated with missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Yet, even in the face of this neglect, Malla’s legacy remained untainted, for his influence continued to reverberate through the voices of his devoted disciples and the echoes of his loyal fans.
(The author can be reached at: [email protected])
