The story of Kashmir has always been one of complexity, emotion, and enduring cultural richness. In recent days, this tapestry has come alive in fresh, compelling ways—on screen, on stage, and at the table. From the evocative notes of a Santoor maestro to the haunting scenes of a Netflix thriller, and the fragrant spices of a centuries-old cuisine, Kashmir’s real stories are finding new audiences across India and beyond.
On November 11, 2025, at the Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi, the spotlight shone brightly on Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori, the eminent Santoor maestro and present custodian of the Sopori-Sufiana Gharana of Kashmir. According to DefenceWeb Stories, Sopori was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Ratna Award 2025 by the Kirana Gharana Ustad Ashique Ali Khan Art and Music Trust. This recognition, awarded for his profound contributions to Indian classical music—especially through the Santoor—marks another milestone in a career dedicated to cultural preservation, music education, and philanthropy.
Pandit Sopori’s roots run deep in the Shaivite-Sufi musical tradition of India, a legacy he carries forward with both pride and humility. As the Khalifa of the Sopori-Sufiana Gharana, he has not only safeguarded the ancient tradition of the Shatatantri Veena but also played a pivotal role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural policy. His efforts to integrate music as a formal academic subject have sparked a cultural renaissance in the region, nurturing thousands of budding musicians. “I feel blessed, as my father and Guru, the great Saint Music Legend late Pandit Bhajan Sopori, was also honored with this award around two decades back,” Sopori reflected during the ceremony, as reported by DefenceWeb Stories.
The event was a veritable gathering of Indian classical music’s luminaries. Alongside Sopori, the Sangeet Ratna Award was presented to other stalwarts, including Pt. Rajendra Prasanna and Pt. Chetan Joshi (flute), Ustad Akram Khan and Pt. Mithilesh Jha (tabla), Ustad Saeed Zafar (sitar), Ustad Asghar Hussain and Pt. Santosh Nahar (violin), Pt. Vijay Shankar Mishra (musicology), and Vidushi Uma Garg. Their collective achievements underscore the vibrancy and resilience of India’s musical heritage.
Yet, the cultural story of Kashmir is not confined to the concert hall. It is being retold and reimagined in powerful new ways on the screen. A recent slideshow published by More ScienceGST 2.0 and DefenceWeb Stories lists seven influential films and shows that capture the real story of Kashmir, including acclaimed works like Haider and those exploring Article 370. These films dig deep into the region’s untold stories, shining a light on the cultural and political issues that have shaped Kashmir’s modern history.
Netflix’s latest thriller, Baramulla, is the talk of social media this week. As reported by Global Trends and echoed across Twitter, the supernatural drama—anchored by Manav Kaul’s riveting performance—dives headlong into the horrors faced by Kashmiri Pandits. The film’s intense, mysterious tone and its willingness to confront historical atrocities have struck a chord with viewers. Many have praised the screenplay’s pace and gripping atmosphere, even as some noted uneven subplots. “This movie should have been released in theatres. Must watch for all,” one user wrote, reflecting a widespread sentiment that Baramulla deserved a bigger platform than streaming alone.
For others, the film’s emotional resonance was deeply personal. One viewer recounted, “When the Shiv bhajan echoed from thokurKuth, I broke down, memories of my grandparents chanting same during Shivratri in Kashmir came rushing back. More than a film, it’s our soul on screen.” Another post described the film as “heart-wrenchingly beautiful,” calling it “by far the best Indian film of the year.” The film’s depiction of the brutal killings and displacement of Kashmiri Pandits by Islamic terrorists, as well as its nuanced portrayal of cultural trauma, has been both lauded and debated. Some viewers noted that Baramulla subtly reflects right-wing perspectives, with one comment observing, “Good to see right-wingers using subtle filmmaking the way left-wingers have done for years.”
These cinematic efforts add to a growing body of work that seeks to tell Kashmir’s story from multiple viewpoints, capturing the pain, resilience, and complexity of its people. Whether through the lens of a political thriller, a supernatural drama, or a documentary, the region’s history and its ongoing struggles continue to inspire filmmakers—and provoke passionate responses from audiences on all sides of the political spectrum.
But the story doesn’t end with music and movies. In Hyderabad, the Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel is preparing to host ‘Koushur Saal’, a five-day pop-up event from November 19 to 23, 2025, that promises to bring the essence of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine to a new audience. According to the event announcement, the gourmet celebration at the Feast restaurant will feature Chef Rahul Wali, who is on a mission to showcase the subtlety and sophistication of a culinary tradition often overshadowed by the more famous Wazwan feast.
Kashmiri Pandit cuisine is known for its delicate use of spices like fennel and asafoetida, and for its onion- and garlic-free preparations. The menu, curated by Chef Wali, will include classic meat dishes such as Rogan Josh, Mutz (minced meatballs), Qaliya, and Kabargah, alongside vegetarian favorites like Chaaman Qaliya, Dum Aloo, Mujj Gaad (fish curry with radish), Nadru Yakhni (lotus stem in yoghurt curry), Haakh, and the traditional Kehwa. “With Koushur Saal, we’re inviting Hyderabad to taste nuance, not noise,” Chef Wali explained, emphasizing that Kashmiri food is not always spicy and does not rely on dry fruits in every dish. He added, “Our traditional food represents one of India’s oldest culinary traditions dating back to 326 BCE. The cuisine even finds mention in the Nilamat Puran, an ancient text dedicated to the Kashmir region.”
Executive Chef Satya Kumar of Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel echoed this sentiment, noting, “A Kashmiri Pandit cuisine pop-up is a unique experience for a city like Hyderabad. Today’s diners seek more than just food—they look for stories, experiences, and cultural connections.” The event is set to run for lunch and dinner, with all-inclusive pricing and the opportunity for Marriott Bonvoy members to earn and redeem points while dining. In a city renowned for its bold flavors, ‘Koushur Saal’ promises a gentler, yet equally unforgettable, culinary experience—one designed to linger long after the last sip of Kehwa.
As Kashmir’s real stories unfold across concert stages, cinema screens, and dining tables, one thing is clear: the region’s heritage is alive and evolving, engaging new audiences and sparking deeper conversations about culture, history, and identity. Whether through the haunting notes of a Santoor, the twist of a thriller, or the aroma of ancient spices, Kashmir continues to reveal its soul—one story at a time.
