Voice of Romantic Verse, Chronicler of Kashmiri Heritage Bids Farewell
Diplomat Correspondent
Budgam, (DD) Kashmir’s literary and cultural fraternity is in mourning following the passing of Shahid Budgami, one of the Valley’s most revered poets and cultural custodians. Born as Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, he passed away at his ancestral home in Budgam on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 90.
Shahid Budgami carved a unique niche in Kashmiri literature with his romantic and lyrical poetry, which graced the airwaves of Radio Kashmir Srinagar for decades and was brought to life by some of the region’s most celebrated vocalists. His verses, known for their classical subtlety and emotional depth, continue to resonate across generations.
In the 1970s, Budgami made a significant foray into cinema as Assistant Director of the landmark Kashmiri feature film Shair-e-Kashmir Mehjoor, collaborating with cinematic legends Balraj Sahni and Prabhat Mukherjee. The film, a biopic of the iconic poet Mahjoor, was a cultural milestone and the second-ever feature film in the Kashmiri language.
As a literary historian, Budgami authored important works such as Kashri Marsi Hund Tawareekh, a foundational text documenting Kashmir’s elegiac (Marsiya) tradition. His multiple poetry collections have left an enduring mark on the region’s literary landscape.
After retiring as Assistant Commissioner Development and District Panchayat Officer, Budgami remained active in the cultural sphere. He edited and published the respected politico-literary journal Budshah, and his home became a gathering place for poets, broadcasters, artists, and cultural thinkers.
He belonged to a family steeped in literary tradition—he was the younger brother of poet Fariq Budgami and the maternal uncle of several notable figures including filmmaker Bashir Budgami, actor Nazir Josh (King Ahad Raza), singer Nisar Budgami, and poet Javed Budgami.
With his passing, Kashmir has lost a literary torchbearer, a cultural guardian, and a cherished soul whose legacy will continue to inspire. His funeral was attended by family, admirers, and fellow writers who paid heartfelt tributes to a poet whose verses have become woven into the collective memory of Kashmir.(DD)
