Srinagar, Aug 27: Good days seem to have returned for noted folk artist Sanaullah Khan who has been battling unemployment for many years.
Thanks to the elections, Khan is much in demand from political parties to enliven crowds during rallies. “They (politicians) know that I am popular in the entire district. They approached me to perform during rallies in north Kashmir so that people would be attracted,” he said.
Campaigning has started in North Kashmir after major political parties announced their candidates. It is after 10 years that assembly elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir. Parties are pulling out all stops to woo people.
The demand for folk artists, who bring traditional music, dance, and storytelling to the campaign stage, has surged as parties look for ways to engage with voters.
Even independent candidates are hiring folk musicians, dancers, and storytellers to create an atmosphere of festivity at their events. They want to build emotional and cultural ties with people through these performers.
From bhand pather (folk theater) performances to folk dances, these artists set the tone for election rallies across the region.
Bashir Ahmad, a folk artist, has been performing different art genres for years. Known for his craft, he too is getting calls for paid performance in rallies. “Political parties know that we can connect with the people. We can perform and also send a message to voters. Our art is being used to pull crowds, but it’s also a way to keep our traditions alive,” he said.
Similarly, folk singers too are in high demand with parties and candidates asking them to compose jingles.
“I have sung many songs for the political parties previously. A few days before few candidates sent their workers to me for framing promotional songs for them as well,” said Bashir Ahmad Dar a folk singer.
