Popular Bollywood playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan has said that visiting Kashmir was a childhood dream come true, describing her first-ever trip to the Valley in September as an experience that left her feeling as if she were in heaven — and one that has given her every reason to return.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir’s Idrees Bukhtiyar, Chauhan said that although she had seen Kashmir through films and television for years and had “already fallen in love” with it on screen, being here in person was entirely different.
She talked about the magic of ‘Bumro Bumro’, the warmth of Kashmiris, the potential of local talent and why she hopes to return for a concert.
RK: You visited Kashmir for the first time in September. What was the experience like?
Sunidhi Chauhan: Coming to Kashmir was a childhood dream for me. I had seen the valley through films and television for years, and it had always fascinated me. Despite travelling to so many places over the years, I had never had the opportunity to visit Kashmir.
Finally, being here was an incredibly special experience. The beauty of the place left me amazed, and I found myself looking at everything with a sense of wonder. It was difficult to believe that a place so beautiful could actually exist. I felt as if I were in heaven.
RK: Was Kashmir everything you had imagined it to be, or did the reality surprise you?
Sunidhi Chauhan: There is a difference between watching a place on screen and experiencing it yourself. I had already fallen in love with Kashmir through the films I had watched, but being here gave me a completely different feeling.
The natural beauty is extraordinary, but what made the experience even more special was the affection of the people. Their warmth, hospitality and the peace I experienced here made a lasting impression on me. The food was wonderful, too. Honestly, I did not feel like leaving.
RK: Kashmiris have a special emotional connection with your song ‘Bumro Bumro’. What does that song mean to you?
Sunidhi Chauhan: I feel fortunate to have been part of song Bumro Bumro from the film Mission Kashmir. It is a song that has found a special place in people’s hearts, and I am grateful for the love it continues to receive.
For the song, I learnt the language, and that experience itself was memorable. Looking back, it is wonderful to realise that a song associated with Kashmir has become such a familiar part of popular music.
RK: You have expressed a desire to hold a concert in Kashmir. How important would such a performance be for you?
Sunidhi Chauhan: I would genuinely love to return to Kashmir with my concert. I want to experience the energy of the audience here and connect with people through music.
During my visit, I expressed the hope that an opportunity would arise to perform for the people of Kashmir. It would be a wonderful way to return some of the love and affection I received here. I am waiting for the day when I can come back with my concert.
RK: You were in Kashmir recently for the international film festival. What did you make of the initiative?
Sunidhi Chauhan: I think a film festival is a very good initiative, particularly because it gives films that may not receive widespread recognition an opportunity to reach audiences. A great deal of hard work goes into filmmaking, and festivals can help such work find the appreciation it deserves.
They also create opportunities for people to discover cinema beyond the mainstream and understand the different stories, ideas and perspectives that filmmakers bring to the screen.
RK: What role can a festival like this play in encouraging young Kashmiris interested in music, acting and filmmaking?
Sunidhi Chauhan: Such platforms can be extremely valuable for young people. Anyone interested in direction, acting, singing or another aspect of filmmaking can learn a great deal by attending screenings, interacting with professionals and watching different kinds of cinema.
I was happy to see people coming to watch films and participate in the festival. I hope the younger generation makes the most of such opportunities and continues to explore its creative interests.
RK: Can Kashmir emerge as a stronger filmmaking destination again?
Sunidhi Chauhan: Kashmir has a beauty that is difficult to find elsewhere. Its landscapes can lend something extraordinary to a film, and it is understandable why filmmakers have been drawn to the region for so many years.
A festival of this kind can help bring greater attention to Kashmir’s cinematic potential. It can encourage people to visit, discover the region and consider it for future projects.
RK: After this visit, what have you taken back from Kashmir?
Sunidhi Chauhan: I have taken back the memories of the beauty, the food, the peace and, above all, the love I received from people here. This visit fulfilled a childhood dream, but it also gave me a reason to look forward to coming back.
Kashmir has left a deep impression on me. I would love to return, spend more time here and experience the valley again, especially through a concert where I can share my music with its people.
