Budgam, May 04: Younis Ahmad Sheikh, a 22-year-old makeup artist from Chadoora village in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has set a new world record for “Fastest Indian Bridal Makeup” in the International Book of Records. Younis is the first Kashmiri male artist to achieve a record in the international book of records, breaking the previous record of “Fastest Indian Bridal Makeup” by completing it in 8 minutes and 58 seconds on March 8, 2023.
Younis received his certification from the International Book of Records on May 3, 2023. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, he expressed his joy at breaking the previous record of 13 minutes, 45 seconds, and 58 centiseconds set by makeup artist Gitali Das from Assam.
Younis started his career as a mehandi artist in 2015 while studying in the 9th standard to support his education as his father was a labourer. In 2016, he started working as a makeup artist and later completed a 6-month online beautician course from the Ali Son Academy in 2017. In 2022, he opened his own salon offering skin care, hair treatments, mehandi services, bridal makeup, and makeup services.
Younis said that his customers are booking services through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and visiting his salon to book services for marriage ceremonies and weddings. He is currently providing services to female customers only but plans to open another salon to serve male customers.
Younis faced criticism when he started working as a mehandi artist, but he did not let that stop him from pursuing his passion. He completed his graduation in arts subjects from Amar Singh College in Srinagar this year. Younis also faced family hardships when his mother passed away in 2011, and the family’s financial burden fell on his father’s shoulders.
Younis advises people to focus on their work and passion to earn their livelihoods, as there is a huge scope in every field, apart from education.
