Mohammad Muneem Nazir’s Alif blends Kashmiri traditions with modernity. Despite lineup changes, his dedication preserves heritage, promising innovation and reflecting his commitment to impactful expression, reports Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
“kya faqat saans loun ga raat o din
hai ahd zinda rah ne ka jo kiya
haa mei purshna darmiyaanas korkun
deichne khovur ye be aabas korkun”
In music, each note tells a story, and every melody recounts a journey. For Mohammad Muneem Nazir, his musical voyage began in 1997, igniting an exploration of artistry that continues to evolve. Muneem embodies more than just a poet, singer, or songwriter; he is a virtuoso spanning various artistic expressions. With a string of accolades adorning his path, he has etched a distinctive place in the dynamic world of music and cinema.
Such is the narrative of Alif, a band whose tunes encapsulate the essence of Kashmiri culture fused with contemporary elements, crafting a sound that transcends traditional boundaries.
Alif embarked on its journey 15 years ago with a different line-up, but the founding members have since moved on. “When we started, we were inseparable, but as life unfolds, individuals pursue different paths,” Muneem said. “Currently, there are two longstanding members who have been with me since 2015; the rest are new additions.”
The band presents two types of performances: Alif Faqat, featuring solo performances by Muneem, and Alif Charsu, where multiple band members participate.
The members of the Alif team include Amit Gadgil, Karan Chitra Deshmukh, Tanmay Pawar, Aditya Bhandarkar, and Annirudha Purushe. Alif is managed by Misfits Inc.
The Sonic Odyssey
“kya faqat saans loun ga raat o din
hai ahd zinda rah ne ka jo kiya
haa mei purshna darmiyaanas korkun
deichne khovur yr be aabas korkun”
“Everything began in 1997,” recalls Muneem. Rooted in Kashmiri culture, Muneem’s artistic vision flourished into a multifaceted expression, marrying tradition with modernity. Its sonic landscape transcends borders, merging contemporary elements with the timeless echoes of Kashmiri culture. “We don’t merely fuse traditional Kashmiri music,” Muneem clarified. “But we incorporate contemporary elements. Our compositions evolve, encompassing a diverse array of genres.”
Recipient of awards including the IRAA Award for the captivating single Like a Sufi, the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival Award for the poignant Lalnawath, and the IIMA Award for the enthralling Best Folk Song Ride Home, Muneem’s musical talent is boundless.
His journey commenced with a commitment to perfecting his art, training his melodious voice under the tutelage of Celia Lobo, one of India’s premier opera singers, in Pune, where he completed his engineering and MBA. Since 2014, Muneem has been sharing his expertise in songwriting and poetry with eager minds at Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune, mentoring those seeking self-discovery through art.
“People in the music industry in Kashmir are receptive to new perspectives and ideas, though there’s still much-uncharted territory in Kashmiri music,” observes Muneem. “The emergence of raw, unexplored musical tastes is captivating audiences, offering a fresh flavour.”
United by their passion for music and content creation, Alif embarked on a journey to share their unique creativity with the world. “Our intent was honesty – we wanted to express what we truly felt. Each song is distinct because each emotion within Alif is unique. I believe that’s our strength.”
While some contend that artistic talent is innate, for these musicians, it is about tapping into inner passion. “People often say artists are born, but I think everyone has a passion that makes them a creator,” reflects Muneem. “People focus on the ‘what’ and ‘why’ but overlook the ‘how’ due to insecurities. I’ve realised that what I make the audience feel through my work is what truly matters.”
Exploring the depths of human experience with poignant lyrics and evocative melodies, Alif addresses socio-political issues with raw honesty. Reflecting on their journey, Alif treasures moments that transcend language barriers and cultural divides. “Performances in Kabul and Edinburgh left a lasting impact,” they share. “Despite language differences, audiences embraced our music warmly.”
In the dynamic music industry, Alif grapples with the complexities of maintaining independence. “Choice is our greatest challenge, and our decisions define us,” members confess. “We are grateful when our work is embraced warmly. These moments highlight the universal nature of our emotions. What resonates deeply with me may hold different significance for you.”
Muneem’s talents extend beyond music. He is a skilled filmmaker and scriptwriter, bringing his creative visions to life through captivating videos and diverse protagonist roles. As a co-founder and director of Muziclub: Live Music, a respected music training academy in Pune since 2010, Muneem has nurtured aspiring musicians and collaborated for over 5000 active studios and three branches under his guidance.
His creative pursuits have also left a mark on the silver screen, with notable contributions to cinema. From writing dialogues for the film Torbaaz, featuring Sanjay Dutt, to composing songs for an upcoming feature directed by Shlok Sharma, Muneem’s artistic influence spans various cinematic landscapes.
Collaborations lie at the heart of Muneem’s artistic journey, exemplified by his recent partnership with Tajdar Junaid for the Lionsgate series Minus One, resulting in the creation of the poignant song Tanha. Additionally, his adaptation of Ride Home for Salvon highlights his versatility as a composer. These collaborations have enriched Alif’s creative landscape, each partnership contributing to their musical evolution. “Any artist that inspires us is incredible,” acknowledges Muneem.
Muneem’s artistic endeavours have garnered attention, with his work featured on prominent platforms such as the Amazon Prime Series “Made in Heaven – Season 02. His poignant Kashmiri poem Korkun has been included in the anthology book “Reclaiming Plurality amid Hatred,” published by Seagull, further establishing him as a voice of cultural resonance and introspection.
In the pursuit of artistic integrity, Alif confronts the challenges of choice and sustainability. “Everything is a choice,” reflects Muneem. “To sustain oneself through art is a privilege.”
Artistry and Activism
“annigotta tchaandan chum myei watti wattay
thapbe dimha aftabas korkun
yeli marum chum waqta waiteim tchandenam
chusbe roumut brounth kallas korkun”
With over 18 years in the industry, Alif has forged a distinct path, using their music to address pressing contemporary issues.
Delving into his artistic process, Alif reveals the intimate link between his music and personal journey. “Creating content, writing, composing music, or crafting music films—it’s all about confronting my inner insecurities and vulnerabilities,” he shared. “Many of us engage in games seeking validation, stemming from our upbringing and experiences.”
Through his music, Alif goes beyond mere entertainment, delving into personal struggles. “When we are young, we often attempt to change external factors,” he explained. “But with maturity, we realize the true battles are within ourselves.”
Balancing the roles of artist and advocate is challenging, yet Alif approaches it with unwavering determination. “It’s about finding harmony between the two,” he states. “Music enables me to express my views and emotions, while advocacy provides a platform for tangible change.”
His commitment to social justice reverberates through his lyrics, resonating with global audiences. “Every song reflects the struggles and triumphs of humanity,” Alif emphasized. “It’s about igniting conversations and inspiring action.”
In a world marked by division and uncertainty, Alif serves as a beacon of hope, harnessing his artistry to inspire meaningful change. “Music has the power to unite us, bridging gaps between cultures and ideologies,” he asserted. “As long as there are stories to tell and voices to be heard, I’ll continue on this journey, using my platform to make a difference.”
With a wealth of musical accomplishments and recognition, Alif‘s journey unfolds, promising forthcoming exciting projects and collaborations. “There’s much to look forward to,” hinted Muneem, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their musical journey.
“yeli marum chum waqta waiteim tchandenam
chusbe roumut brounth kallas korkun
chusne aalim khoone zoulum har pahar
tasne karha har sawalas korkun”
= In 2024, Alif worked on various projects. “We released a music video in September titled I Am Jaadugar, featuring the legendary actress Farida Jalal. In October, we released SherDil, which focused on men’s mental health,” said Muneem.
“Recently, we released an album comprising four songs. Famous Rekha Bhardwaj was also part of the project. It was a tribute to the complexities of the human heart—how it hurts, heals, and ultimately learns to love with wisdom and grace.”
“And I am still running around,” added Muneem.
