SRINAGAR: A condolence meeting was held today at the Seminar Hall of the Cultural Academy, Lal Mandi, Srinagar, to pay tributes to noted radio, stage, and television artist Mohammad Rafeeq Mattoo, who passed away yesterday morning.
The gathering witnessed the presence of a large number of artists, colleagues, and admirers, who assembled to remember the life and contributions of the late artist. The meeting was marked by solemnity, with speakers recalling his work in the cultural sphere and his personal qualities.
The presidium included Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Aiyash Arif, who presided over the meeting, Ameen Bhat, Mushtaq Bala, Nazeer Josh, and Gul Javed Khan. Proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Shahzad Shabbeer.
Speakers including Yousuf Shahnaz, Shaikh Haneef, Shahzad Rasool, Umar Imtiyaz, Aijaz Rah, Afzal Bhat, Javaid Khan Gora, Manzoor Ishbari, Khursheed Mir, Shabbeer Hakak, Shahnaz Mushtaq, Mahjabeen Inksari, Shabnum Rafeeq, and Syed Iftikhar highlighted various aspects of Rafeeq Mattoo’s career and personality. They described him as a dedicated artist known for his simplicity, humility, and commitment to the arts.
Several artists, including Farhat Sideeq, Akib Haleem, Majaaz Mir, Barkat Ali, Shahid Malik, and Idrees Bukhtiyar, were also present on the occasion.
The hall remained filled to capacity, with speakers collectively acknowledging the late artist’s contribution to Kashmir’s cultural and artistic landscape. Issues concerning challenges faced by the artist community were also raised during the meeting.
The programme concluded with prayers for the departed soul, seeking maghfirat and a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous.
Meanwhile, the demise of Rafeeq Mattoo has evoked widespread grief across the Valley. The All Jammu Kashmir Radio and Television Artists, Freelance Producers and Directors Association, in a condolence message, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating that the artistic fraternity has lost a distinguished performer.
The Association described the late artist as a versatile performer and a humble individual, whose absence would be deeply felt. Its President, Sheikh Tariq Javed, extended condolences to the bereaved family and said that the contributions of Rafeeq Mattoo would be remembered.
Prayers were offered for eternal peace to the departed soul and for strength to the family to bear the loss.
