Srinagar, October 29, 2025 – Renowned Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam has delighted fans by sharing a series of captivating photographs from his recent visit to Kashmir on his official Facebook account. The images, capturing the magic of his electrifying performance at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake, serve not only as personal mementos but also as a powerful testament to the valley’s evolving narrative of peace and progress. Posted just days after the October 26 event, the photos have garnered thousands of likes, shares, and comments, amplifying the message of a transformed #Kashmir where harmony and cultural revival are the new normal.The snapshots showcase Nigam immersed in the event’s grandeur: illuminated shikaras gliding across the shimmering waters of Dal Lake, the stage aglow against the Himalayan backdrop, and an enthusiastic crowd of over 5,000 attendees, including Gen Z and youth, swaying to his timeless melodies. One particularly poignant image features Nigam in a reflective moment by the lake, captioned with his words of gratitude: “Head bowed in gratitude to this beautiful land and its people.
Kashmir is alive with music and hope once more.” These visuals echo the concert’s theme—a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Mohammed Rafi on his birth centenary—blending Bollywood hits with soulful renditions that resonated under the starlit sky.A Historic Night: Music Returns to the ValleyOrganized by NDTV Good Times in collaboration with Radico Khaitan’s The Spirit of Kashmyr, the concert marked Kashmir Valley’s first-ever large-scale live music event since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. Held at the iconic SKICC, the venue symbolized resilience, with the tranquil Dal Lake reflecting the fusion of melody and heritage. Local talents like Srinagar-based singer Qazi Touqeer—a Fame Gurukul winner—and Kashmiri composer Rauhan Malik opened the show, infusing authentic regional rhythms before Nigam took the stage.Nigam, who arrived in Srinagar on October 25, expressed profound emotion ahead of the performance: “It is more special because we have not seen the celebration of 100 years of the late Mohammed Rafi Sahab at Dal Lake. Celebrating his legacy in Kashmir, celebrating the zest of Kashmir, is going to be really wonderful and special.” The event drew widespread acclaim for its seamless execution, with floating shikaras adorned in elegant lights creating a mesmerizing interplay of culture and luxury. Despite some reports of lower initial attendance amid resurfaced controversies over Nigam’s past remarks on the Azaan, the night unfolded as a grand success, with social media buzzing about the vibrant turnout and electric atmosphere.This visit builds on Nigam’s prior engagement with the region; he had interacted with local musicians and residents during a trip in July 2024, fostering deeper cultural ties. The #SonuNigam photos on Facebook have sparked a wave of positivity, with fans from across India commenting on the valley’s serene beauty and improved security, countering outdated perceptions.
Transforming Image: Peace, Progress, and Cultural Renaissance
Beyond the glamour, Nigam’s shared memories highlight Kashmir’s remarkable transformation. The concert, attended by diverse crowds including youth and families, underscored the shift toward normalcy, boosting morale and signaling to the world that the valley is open for joy and creativity. Tourism stakeholders view it as a pivotal step in reviving the sector, with events like this expected to draw more filmmakers, artists, and visitors—much like Bollywood’s historic romance with locations such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg.As J&K continues to host mega-events, from Vande Bharat halts to sports triumphs, initiatives like the J&K Film Policy and streamlined permissions are paving the way for economic upliftment. Nigam’s post-concert reflections align with this ethos: “Nothing is in our hands… I never thought I would be part of something as beautiful as what’s happening in Kashmir.” His images not only preserve a memory lane but inspire a collective vision of progress, where music bridges divides and peace becomes the enduring soundtrack.For more glimpses into the event or to catch Nigam’s future shows, follow him on Facebook or visit the NDTV Good Times portal.
