‘Music always stayed inside me’
Rehaan Farooq spent years pursuing music without knowing if it would ever become a career. Growing up in Tangmarg in a family where financial stability was often the priority, singing remained a personal passion rather than a realistic profession.
The young singer, whose father works as a daily wager, grew up in modest circumstances. Like many young people from rural Kashmir, Rehaan faced limited opportunities and few platforms to showcase his talent. Despite that, he continued singing at local gatherings and among friends, holding on to his interest in music.
“There were times when becoming a singer felt impossible,” Rehaan says. “Life around us was focused on survival. But music always stayed inside me.”
For a long time, music remained a private pursuit. Professional recording, training, and performing on larger platforms seemed far beyond reach. The turning point came when director and creative producer RJ Umar Nisar noticed his potential and decided to work with him.
According to the team behind the project, Rehaan spent more than a year preparing for his debut. The training focused not only on vocals but also on confidence, discipline, and understanding the emotional depth of a song.
“When I first got this opportunity, I was nervous and unsure about myself,” Rehaan says. “This journey changed my confidence and helped me believe in my abilities.”
The result of that preparation is “DEEDAR’as Praran Chuss,” Rehaan’s debut song. Rooted in Kashmiri folk and spiritual traditions, the song introduces him to a wider audience while staying connected to the region’s cultural heritage.
For Rehaan, one of the most significant moments came when the music video premiered at INOX Srinagar.
“I never imagined I would see myself on a cinema screen,” he says. “Watching people listen to my voice and connect with the song was a memorable experience.”
RJ Umar Nisar says Rehaan’s story reflects the experiences of many young people who continue working towards their goals despite financial and social challenges.
“Rehaan represents young people who come from ordinary backgrounds and continue to work hard for what they want to achieve,” he says.
Since its release, “DEEDAR’as Praran Chuss” has received positive responses from listeners. But beyond the song itself, Rehaan’s story is one of persistence. From singing quietly in Tangmarg to making his debut before a public audience, his journey has been shaped by years of effort, patience, and support from those who believed in his talent.
For the young singer, the debut marks the beginning of a career he once thought might never be possible.
