Danish Ali/Srinagar

For many women, marriage is seen as a barrier that confines them to household responsibilities. But for Shahi Mumtaz, fondly known as "Kashmir Ki Lata Mangeshkar" for her melodious voice, marriage became the turning point that helped her realize her dreams.

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.

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

Shahi Mumtaz and Raja Bilal (Bespectacled) performing on stage

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. 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 the most sought after artist couple in Kashmir today.

"After marriage, I realized 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."

Recalling his encouragement, 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 realized 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, recognized her talent and bestowed upon her the title 'Kashmir Ki Lata Mangeshkar.'

"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.

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

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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