Srinagar, July 28: Veteran Kashmiri comedian Bashir Ahmad Bhat, widely known by his stage name Bashir Kotur, passed away on Monday at his home in Hanjigund Chadoora, just a day after being discharged from the hospital. He was battling multiple health complications.
Family members said Kotur was recently admitted to the ICU in critical condition and was discharged on Saturday. However, his health worsened again, and he died on Monday afternoon.
Family sources said Kotur had been battling stomach cancer, liver damage, and gall bladder complications. He had recently been admitted to the ICU in critical condition. Despite his discharge yesterday, his health worsened, leading to his demise earlier today.
Bashir Kotur was a household name in Kashmir’s entertainment and folk theatre circles, celebrated for his distinct comic style and captivating stage presence. Over the decades, he became a beloved figure among audiences across the Valley, bringing laughter and cultural reflection through his performances.
His death has triggered a wave of mourning, with artists, fans, and cultural bodies paying rich tributes to his contribution to Kashmiri art and theatre. Many described his passing as a “huge loss to the cultural identity of Kashmir.”