Kashmir Life has unveiled Kashmir Architecture Tales, a 30-film series exploring the Valley’s architectural heritage. Weaving memory, technology, and storytelling, the project is a rare collaboration to preserve Kashmir’s history for generations, reports Babra Wani
“It is a big day,” said the Kashmir Life editor during the newsroom’s afternoon Chai pa Charcha. He was referring to the launch of Kashmir Architecture Tales, Qabal Masih Say 20wain Sadi Tak, finally inaugurated on September 13 at the Khyber headquarters, partners in the project.
Produced by Kashmir Life, the series is presented by Iqra Akhoon, directed by Humaira Nabi, and filmed by Shahzad Wagay and Mudasir Farooq Parray. Edited by Shuaib Wani and Alqa Murtasal, the series was shot in the summer of 2024 and took nearly a year in post-production.
The Launch
The event was presided over by veteran journalist Mohammad Sayeed Malik, who, despite being 94, captivated the audience with his reflections.
Calling the project historic, Malik said only Kashmir Life and Khyber Cement could have conceived such a series. “When I came here, I felt close to this moment, as if I belonged to the same time and age as those we are remembering,” he said, drawing laughter in the packed auditorium of young media professionals and corporate representatives.
Malik recalled watching Masood Hussain grow from his Kashmir Times days to The Economic Times and later Kashmir Life. “Each of these endeavours has been a labour of love. Without love and labour, such work cannot be sustained.”
He praised the project’s blend of photography, technical expertise, and even artificial intelligence. “This speaks of Hussain’s commitment. When he pursues something, he pursues it fully.”
Recording history, Malik stressed, was vital. “In Kashmir, we are often told that we forget dates and details. Such work ensures our memory is preserved.” He lauded the young women driving the project. “Iqra and Humaira’s dedication, the excellent technical presentation, and imagination behind it make me hopeful for more. Journalism is not only about technology but also content, and Kashmir Life has remained consistent in producing readable material.”
Malik himself made history as the first Kashmiri Muslim journalist. Though trained in electronics, he ‘drifted’ into journalism in the 1960s, beginning with The Patriot. “What matters most is self-belief,” he concluded, commending the conviction of the team behind the series.
Dream Project
Reflecting on his own stage in life, Malik said he now sought hope. “Today, I feel a sense of hope and reason to believe in better times.”
Over thirty participants attended the launch, including journalists, camerapersons, and editors. At the heart of it stood Masood Hussain, who called the project his “baby”.
“We have given two years to this project. One year went into making it, and it was never easy,” Hussain said. Despite limited resources, Kashmir Life diverted significant energy into the series. “But it is never about money; it is about the result.”
He admitted sending two young women across Kashmir to record its architectural essence was a challenge. Artificial Intelligence was used to bring visuals closer to reality. “We live in an era where preserving facts is daunting, but it remains our mission.”
The event carried emotional moments. Hussain broke down while speaking of director Humaira Nabi, now based in Dublin, who could not attend. In a videotaped message, she said: “During this series, I discovered different colours of Kashmir that will stay with me forever. I saw Kashmir in a new light.”
Waseem Ahmed Khan, Chief Sales and Customer Relations at Khyber Cements, called the project “a historic moment in Kashmir’s history”. He credited Hussain and Umar Tramboo’s vision.
“We thought it would take two to three months, but the KL team travelled to areas with accessibility issues. They dug into the roots from which society evolves. Kashmir Life has left a remarkable mark in writing Kashmir’s history,” Khan said.
Faces of Fulfilment
Presenter Iqra Akhoon explained that the series was not only about structures but also the thought behind them. “It is about history, roots, and origin. No other organisation could have attempted it with such depth.”
Sharing her field experiences, she said the pace of their work felt like time travel. “In one day, we moved across locations while remaining within the same society. At times, I had to explain to my family why I returned late.”
The work, though stressful, was rewarding. “I hope my family now feels proud after seeing the outcome,” she said, crediting Kashmir Life with teaching her resilience under resource constraints.
The inaugural show, presented by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani, featured promos, a Khyber film, and the first episode of the series. The 21-minute episode earned instant praise for its concept and execution, hailed as a rare attempt to bring Kashmir’s architectural legacy to life.
Three episodes are currently out and performing well across KL platforms. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Umaima Reshi, the youngest in the KL family.
