Manasbal dramatics, J&K Cultural Academy pay tribute to Playwright Showkat Shahri on death anniversary

Srinagar, Jun 28: In an evocative gathering, Manasbal Dramatics Safapora, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, commemorated the first death anniversary of renowned playwright Late Showkat Shahri at the Seminar Hall of the Cultural Academy in Srinagar.

As per a press release, the solemn occasion, attended by prominent literary and cultural figures of Kashmir, turned into an emotional yet insightful reflection on the life, art, and literary legacy of the late dramatist.

It said speakers paid rich tributes to Shahri Sahab’s immense contribution to Kashmiri drama and storytelling, describing him as a “master of the craft” whose works brought psychological depth and a distinct, unconventional narrative style to regional theatre.

Eminent personalities including Shabir Mujahid, Ayash Aarif, Mohammad Amin Bhat,Nisar Naseem,Gulshan Badarni, Shakeel Ur Rehman, imdad Saqi,Jameel Mustaffa Ansari, Fayaz Dilbar, Saleem Saalik, and Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen offered their reflections on Shahri’s legacy. They unanimously acknowledged that his storytelling was not only rich in emotional texture but also remarkable for its originality and psychological nuance. His scripts, they noted, were deeply rooted in Kashmiri culture and human experience, yet carried a universal appeal that resonated across linguistic and geographic boundaries.

“Showkat Shahri was not just a playwright, he was a visionary who elevated the Kashmiri stage with thought-provoking themes and authentic character portrayals,” said one of the speakers. “His pen spoke for the common man, capturing pain, joy, struggle, and dreams in a language that was both poetic and powerful.”

A special prayer (Fateha) was also held for the eternal peace of the departed soul, and the gathering concluded with a sense of admiration and gratitude for Shahri’s artistic journey and the enduring inspiration it continues to offer to budding writers and dramatists in the region, said the release. The event served as a poignant reminder of how one man’s creative passion can leave an indelible mark on the cultural and intellectual landscape of a society.