Danish Ali/Srinagar

Many ambitious women see marriage as an impediment in their growth as a professional or in pursuing their dreams, but for Shahi Mumtaz, fondly known as "Kashmir Ki Lata Mangeshkar" for her melodious voice, marriage turned out to be a major boost to her career as a singer.

Speaking to Danish Ali of Awaz-The Voice, Mumtaz said she truly began living life to the fullest only after marrying renowned Kashmiri singer Raja Bilal.

"Though I was determined to pursue singing from an early age, I faced immense disapproval from both society and my family," she said.

Shahi Mumtaz being interviewed by a TV channel

"Even my own family stopped speaking to me because I refused to give up something I was born to do."

Mumtaz says singing has always been a part of her identity.

"I would sing in the bathroom, holding a glass tumbler in my hand as if it were a microphone, completely unmindful of who might be listening," she recalled with a smile.

At school, classmates admired her melodious voice and often encouraged her to try her luck in Bollywood. They would goad her to lead the "antakshari" competitions only because ther loved her voice.

But for Mumtaz, singing was never about fame.

"To me, singing was simply my passion," she said.

Everything changed after her marriage to Raja Bilal, a well-known Kashmiri Sufi and light classical singer. The duo is, today, the most sought-after artist couple in Kashmir.

"After marriage, I realised I was no longer alone. We had become a team, and there has been no looking back since."

She describes her husband as not just her greatest supporter but also her mentor.

"My husband is not only my biggest supporter but also my Guru. There was a time when I wanted to quit singing, but he convinced me not to."

It's not that Kashmir had no tradition of Muslim women singers. Legends like Raj Begum had broken the barriers by becoming the first female singer in Kashmir.

However, the onset of militancy and the rise of Islamic hardliners tried to impose restrictions on women singers. A young girls' band, Pragash (Morning twilight), was banned, and the young singers were so terrified that some of them left Kashmir.

It was in this environment that Shahi Mumtaz dared to dream and faced disapproval and snide remarks from people.

Her marriage changed everything.

Recalling Raja Bilal's attitude, she said, "Bilal Sahib told me that my singing came straight from my heart and was therefore no sin. That gave me immense confidence."

Praising her husband, she added, "I realised I was no longer fighting this battle alone—we were a team."

Today, the couple are proud parents of two children—a son and a daughter—who are among their biggest admirers.

"My children cannot sleep unless I sing them a lullaby," Mumtaz said.

One of the defining moments of her career came when veteran singer Ghulam Nabi Sheikh of All India Radio, Srinagar, recognised her talent and bestowed upon her the title 'Kashmir Ki Lata Mangeshkar.'

Shahi Mumtaz and Raja Bilal (Bespectacled) at a concert

"It was a great honour when such an accomplished artist compared me to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. It remains one of the most unforgettable moments of my life," she said.

Mumtaz's song 'Mouz Lagyo Adkalyo..' has gone viral, helping revive interest in traditional Kashmiri music among younger audiences.

Today, she says with quiet satisfaction that the very people who once discouraged her now eagerly ask when her next song will be released.

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She and Raja Bilal are currently working on several new musical projects, continuing a journey that began with courage, perseverance, and the unwavering support of one another.

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