ibn sultan
SRINAGAR: Kashmir today lost one of its versatile voices as noted poet, writer, critic, actor, and broadcaster Zahid Mukhtar from Anantnag passed away on Wednesday morning. He was in his early seventies.
Family sources said Mukhtar, who had been suffering from multiple health issues over the last three years and had been mostly confined to his home, breathed his last at 7:30 AM at his residence in Nayee Basti, Anantnag. His funeral prayers are scheduled to be held at 12 noon.
A multi-faceted personality, Mukhtar’s creative journey spanned several fields, from literature and broadcasting to journalism and acting. He began his career with All India Radio and Doordarshan, where his voice and presence became familiar to audiences across Kashmir.
He was also known for his short stories, poetry, and literary criticism that left a lasting impression on Urdu and Kashmiri literature.
Before the onset of militancy in the 1990s, Mukhtar was running Al-Mukhtaar, a weekly newspaper that reflected his deep commitment to journalism and intellectual discourse. His writings, marked by emotional depth and social sensitivity, resonated with generations of readers and listeners alike. He, however, was an artist and a presenter by heart and by conduct.
A smart, handsome man, many thought, Zahid should have had a bigger platform to act. However, he restricted himself to the public broadcasting institutions within Kashmir and rarely attempted to move out. He handled Doordarshan Kashmir’s Good Morning Kashmir for many years. Of late, however, he would rarely be seen on the show, apparently because of his health issues. He has many collections to his credit, mostly poetry and short stories. He was also a playwright.
Friends and contemporaries describe him as a compassionate artist and an engaging conversationalist whose presence enriched every literary and cultural gathering. His works continue to be remembered for their linguistic grace, cultural rootedness, and human warmth.
Mukhtar is survived by his son, a medical doctor based in England, and a daughter who is settled.
As tributes poured in from across the Valley’s literary and media circles, colleagues and admirers remembered Zahid Mukhtar as “a voice of wisdom, warmth, and sincerity.” His passing, they said, marks the end of an era in Kashmir’s literary and broadcasting world.
“His contributions to Urdu and Kashmiri literature were invaluable, and his voice resonated with many,” a condolence message read. “His departure is a significant loss to the intellectual and journalistic community.”
