Kashmir’s singing sensation Aejaz Rah transitions from music to silver screen

• By Abid Bashir
• Comments 0
• 09 Apr 2026

Singer, performer & cultural ambassador takes region’s artistic legacy to international platforms

Srinagar, Apr 08: In a journey marked by passion, perseverance and a deep-rooted love for culture, Kashmir’s celebrated singing sensation Aejaz Rah is steadily redefining artistic success—seamlessly transitioning from music to the silver screen while continuing to preserve and promote the Valley’s rich heritage.

Hailing from Srinagar, Rah carries forward a rich musical legacy as the son of the noted singer, late Ghulam Muhammad Rah. Growing up in a family deeply connected to music, he inherited both passion and talent, which laid the foundation for his artistic journey.

Rah captured public imagination with his widely acclaimed Kashmiri track “Mouj Che Akhir Mojei Asaan,” and also ‘Bange Drayekh, Changi ma Aakhei, Che Pyaraan Mouj Chei; songs that resonated deeply for their emotional depth and cultural authenticity. He has sung social songs which earned a lot of fame. Over the years, he has built a reputation for delivering soulful, melodious performances that blend traditional Kashmiri folk elements with contemporary musical styles, making his work appealing to both older and younger generations.

Known for his expressive voice and stage presence, Rah has performed across numerous cultural platforms and events, where his music often carries themes of love, spirituality and identity. His dedication to reviving and popularising Kashmiri language music is evident in his consistent efforts to produce original content and reinterpret classic poetry. His renditions of Shrukhs (spiritual verses) of revered Sufi saint Sheikh ul Alam (RA) in the first video album titled “Soun Alamdar” have been particularly appreciated for bringing spiritual literature closer to modern audiences.

A defining moment in his musical journey came when he featured in the popular show Singing Stars of J&K, sharing the stage with renowned Bollywood playback singer Sadhana Sargam in the presence of noted music director Dilip Sen. The duo’s performance of the classic Kashmiri song “Gul Posh Sozai Dealeiyez,” penned by Gani Haft Chinari, stood out as a celebration of Kashmir’s musical legacy and showcased Rah’s ability to hold his own alongside established artists. In the program, Rah was the only judge from J&K chosen by the Prasar Bharati of India.

Further underlining his growing recognition, Rah shared the stage with noted Bollywood singer Shabbir Kumar in 2024, marking another milestone in his musical journey.

Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Rah credited his journey to a combination of fortune and relentless effort. “It’s luck plus hard work that proves success. You have to stay committed to your craft and never lose faith, no matter how difficult the journey becomes,” he said.

Apart from playback-style singing, Rah has been actively involved in producing music videos that highlight Kashmir’s scenic beauty and cultural ethos. His projects, shot across picturesque locations in Jammu and Kashmir as well as international destinations like Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom, aim to globalise Kashmiri music and present it to a broader audience. In the UK, he shot the song, “Be thownas Haare Tapas Kueth” written by Peer Zahoor and in Scotland, a song titled “Bekasi manz yuth nasa travakh me zahn” was shot as well.

“Music is my identity, and through it I want to take Kashmir’s language and culture to every corner of the world,” Rah added, emphasising his vision as an artist.

Through these efforts, he has emerged not just as a singer but as a cultural ambassador committed to keeping the Kashmiri language and traditions alive.

In addition to his musical achievements, Rah serves as the President of the Artist Collective Guild (ACG), where he mentors and supports budding artists, further strengthening the creative ecosystem in the region. “Under this platform, we are working to ensure a better living post-retirement. We request the government to fix some sort of insurance post-retirement for the Kashmiri artists,” Rah said.

Building on his musical fame, Rah has ventured into cinema with roles in films like Fitoor, Operation Valentine, Match Fixing and Wagah movie, portraying strong characters such as a Major and a Colonel. His entry into films reflects his versatility and willingness to explore new artistic dimensions.

Reflecting on his transition to cinema, Rah said: “Acting is a new challenge for me, but it’s also an opportunity to grow. I want to represent Kashmir not just through music, but through meaningful roles on screen.” Rah’s transition to the big screen comes after his huge contribution to Radio and Television where he has produced a number of musical series and sung enormous songs.

Rah’s journey—from a singer rooted in tradition to an emerging face in cinema—stands as a powerful testament to the evolving creative spirit of Kashmir. With his voice echoing the soul of the Valley and his ambitions reaching far beyond, Rah continues to inspire a new generation of artists to dream, create, and represent Kashmir on the global stage.