Amma Kak of Zoondub takes us down the memory lane of rich cultural activities of Kashmir theatre

Srinagar, April 13, 2022: Zoondub, a morning drama series on All India Radio, Kashmir is considered as a
milestone in radio series of Kashmir that used to grip the attention of entire Kashmir Valley early morning
depicting daily life in Kashmir and a comment on the social and political developments during that time.

While the series gave Kashmir a number of iconic characters performed by renowned artists of Kashmir ‘Amma
Kak’ was one such characters that is still etched in the memory of the generation of that era.

Amma Kak was played by Abdul Rasheed Barki a renowned theatre and radio artist of Jammu and Kashmir who
has carved a niche in the field not only in the state but also in the other parts of the country.

Another equally popular character played by Abdul Rasheed Barki was Tikka in the play Tik Lal and today The
Rights News (TRN) takes you down the memory lane as we feature Abdul Rasheed Barki in conversation with
Manzoor Ahmed Mir.

Abdul Rasheed Barki started his journey in theatre from his school days where he used to play small skits and
plays and continued the activity in Gandhi College where Mr. Madan Sahab gave his talent a new direction.
Barki who has around 40 years of experience in theatre says that he was associated with Kashmir Theatre
Federation which used to organise theatre festivals presided over by Pran Kishore which according to Barki had
higher standards than the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages.

He remained associated with theatre even during the turmoil and participated in various theatre festivals but
says that in those days’ theatre was a passion and people were helping each other irrespective of their theatre
groups as the final outcome was dependent on the performances and not money or awards.

However, he says that now a days theatre has achieved new dimensions and money is also a factor as theatre
has turned into a commercial venture but believes that many people associated with theatre are still
passionate about their work.

Abdul Rasheed Barki says that theatre is still a far cry from earning a livelihood and suggests the new entrants
to keep something side by side for their daily bread and butter as theatre does not have enough money.
He also believes that the schemes of the government are not reaching the real artist and are being given to
selected people instead of the artists who actually need the support.

Barki raises many important questions regarding the state of theatre in the current scenario which need
attention if at all the government wants to raise the standards of theatre in J&K

Watch the full interview to get inspired and know how one can do wonders if they have a desire to succeed
and is a lesson for the younger generation.