Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 15 (KNS): Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu is likely to visit Bandipora in January next year as plans are being made to organise the second edition of Kashmir Got Talent in the district, Suhail Saeed Lone, a Bandipora native associated with the Bollywood production industry, said.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Lone said discussions had been held with Kumar Sanu following the first edition of Kashmir Got Talent in Kupwara, organised by the Indian Army, and efforts were being made to bring the singer and other personalities from the entertainment industry to Bandipora.

"Kumar Sanu Ji has expressed his willingness to visit again. I want to bring him to Bandipora and show him the beauty of our district. We are planning the next edition in January, subject to final arrangements," Lone said.

He said the first edition in Kupwara brought together several personalities from Bollywood, including Kumar Sanu, music composer Dilip Sen, actor and producer Harman Baweja, filmmaker Kapil Mattu and choreographer Danny.

According to Lone, Kumar Sanu spent three days in Kashmir during his recent visit, which was his first to the Valley.

Lone said he had invited several personalities from the entertainment industry to participate as judges and mentors during the competition.

"I invited people from different fields of the entertainment industry, including Ishfaq Kawa from Kashmir, Ashwat Bhatt, Vipin Sharma, Kapil Mattu and others. We wanted the competition to provide a fair opportunity to participants," he said.

He said the decision to include judges from outside Kashmir was intended to ensure impartiality in assessing the performances.

"We started Kashmir Got Talent from Kupwara as Season One, but our aim is to take it to every district. There will be more seasons, and we want talented youngsters from different parts of Kashmir to get an opportunity to perform before established artists," Lone said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said Bandipora was his priority for the next edition because of his personal connection with the district and his desire to promote local talent.

"I belong to Bandipora, and I want people to see the talent that exists here. Our youngsters have the ability to achieve recognition at the national level if they are given the right platform," he said.

Lone said the winner of the first edition of Kashmir Got Talent was also from Bandipora.

"The first winner was from our district. This shows the potential of our youngsters. I appeal to people to support us so that we can organise the next season in Bandipora," he added.

He also spoke about opportunities being explored for Kashmiri artists in the music industry.

According to Lone, Bandipora singer Ishfaq Kawa is collaborating with Kumar Sanu on a song, while discussions have also taken place regarding other musical projects involving Kashmiri talent.

Referring to his interaction with Kumar Sanu, Lone said the singer had encouraged him to organise another programme in Kashmir.

"When he was leaving, he asked me to plan another event and indicated that other prominent personalities could also join him. I do not want to disclose their names until everything is finalised," he said.

Lone said the proposed programme would focus on providing a platform for young singers, dancers and other performers from Bandipora and neighbouring districts.

He added that preparations were being discussed, but the dates and participation of invited guests would be confirmed only after arrangements were finalised.

"Our objective is to give talented youngsters an opportunity to come forward and showcase their abilities. Kashmir has talent, and we want to help it reach a wider audience," Lone said. (KNS)