Four months after travelling more than 3000 km for the 30-episode Jashn-e-Ramzan 2, Syed Shadab Ali Gillani recounts the highs and lows of travelling across fasting Kashmir to interact with people and tell their stories, a series that has been watched by millions so far.
While browsing our official Kashmir Life social media account, I stumbled upon a remarkable milestone: an episode of our highly anticipated series Jashn-e-Ramzan 2 had surpassed a million views. These sparked more than quarter-old memories when I and my team worked relentlessly throughout the month of Ramzan, forgoing breaks to deliver daily episodes from a new location. While millions watched the outcome of the exercise for which we travelled more than 3000 km and recorded many terabits of filming, I feel compelled to share the story behind the series, which had consumed my every waking moment, and dedicate myself to it, quite literally, with blood, sweat, and tears.
The Spadework
Following the success of Jashn-e-Ramzan’s inaugural season, the newsroom opted to commission a second season, introducing a male anchor and an ambitious 30-episode run. This marked a bold departure from conventional programming in Kashmir, where a non-news series had never been produced on such a demanding schedule.
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The challenge was daunting: record, edit, and broadcast each episode within a single day. For me, the most unexpected hurdle was sacrificing my three-year-old locks, to which I had grown deeply attached. My hairdresser was equally reluctant, but ultimately, I relinquished my long hair for the sake of the series.
Beyond this personal hurdle, I required a skilled researcher, camera operator, and editor to bring the series to life. Television is rarely a solo endeavour. Fortunately, a few sponsors soon came on board, and my costume sponsor provided the icing on the cake. Overnight, our team coalesced into a cohesive unit.
The series’ success hinged on securing five key partners: Kanwal Food and Spices, Jamkash Vehicleades, Aloha, Fortune Resorts, and Khyber Cements. Later, Lady Hut Apparels joined as a sponsor for the final ten episodes, thanks to the tireless efforts of our business section. Each time a contestant won a prize, our team shared in their joy, marvelling at the depth of their knowledge. Children who answered correctly received a special gift hamper, courtesy of Al Hilal Diagnostic Laboratory. My gratitude extends to Royal Concept, for sponsoring my wardrobe.
First Day
Our show’s tagline, Hum Ramzan Mein Hain, was emblazoned on the screen, accompanied by the names of our sponsors and their respective taglines. I was tasked with mentioning each name with utmost precision, a responsibility I soon grew accustomed to.
Though not nervous, I felt the weight of expectation. Amidst this pressure, we began recording the series on March 11, 2024, a day before the first fast. My colleague, Faiqa Masoodi, ironed my clothes with meticulous care, and I was transformed, much like a groom preparing for his big day. Our editor affectionately dubbed me Desi Ertugrul.
On the day of the shoot, we set out from the office with enthusiasm, but our progress was halted by an unexpected downpour. We returned to the office, postponing the completion of the first episode. The next morning, we faced a new challenge: one of our primary camera operators, Umar Dar, fell ill, leaving only Shuaib Wani and me to carry on.
Our first episode was scheduled to be filmed at Khanqa e Maula in Srinagar. Thankfully, our colleague Mohammad Imran came to our aid, assisting us at the venue. After completing the first episode, we rushed back to the office to submit the footage for editing.
Despite the low energy on the first day, we pressed on, determined to record the second episode. Following Zuhr prayers, we proceeded to our second venue, Jamia Masjid Srinagar, where we encountered a welcoming and cooperative crowd. We finished recording before Magrib prayers and returned office for a refreshing iftar.
Morning Birds
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, our team embarked on a gruelling yet exhilarating journey, capturing the essence of Kashmir’s hidden gems. With the initial two episodes in the bag, we ventured into the unknown, braving the challenges that lay ahead.
On the second day, we set our sights on Ganderbal, hoping to wrap up filming by afternoon and squeeze in an additional episode at Kangan. I arrived at the office before sunrise, where Shuaib joined me, and together we kicked off our day. However, disaster struck when I realised I had left my essential slippers behind. A frantic search led us to a nearby shoe store, and we managed to find a suitable replacement.
Ganderbal, a location that had previously garnered impressive viewership, loomed large in our expectations. The initial half of the shoot proved arduous, with the peak hour rush rendering the streets devoid of conversation. Perseverance paid off, and we eventually garnered a favourable response. A restaurateur friend helped us, guiding us through the labyrinthine streets in search of captivating settings. By afternoon, we had completed our task.
The pièce de résistance was our encounter with the Human Calculator, whose astonishing mental agility left us awestruck. His subsequent social media fame was a testament to his remarkable talent. As we concluded filming, the skies grew dark, and a torrential downpour forced us to abandon our Kangan plans.
With a 30-day series ahead, we adopted a gruelling schedule, sacrificing sleep to record two episodes daily whenever possible. This would allow us a brief respite during the final days. Our WhatsApp group served as the nerve centre for meticulous planning, with timings orchestrated to perfection.
Some days, we arrived at our destinations before the streets stirred to life. In Sumbal, the market lay dormant, prompting us to postpone filming until later in the day. We hastily relocated to Kangan, the morning light casting a golden glow over the deserted landscape.
These early morning forays were a true test of endurance, with fatigue often getting the better of us. Yet, the promise of untold stories kept us going, even as our eyelids drooped in the car. The pursuit of storytelling had become an all-consuming passion, driving us to push beyond the limits of human endurance.
A Journey of Discovery
One of the most enriching aspects of this series was the extensive research it entailed, which greatly expanded my knowledge and deepened my understanding of various subjects. Another highlight was the opportunity to travel throughout Kashmir, uncovering new facets of this enchanting region. A particularly poignant experience was performing Salah in different Masjids.
Each day brought new experiences, and with every passing day, our learning and exploration grew. This series was an adventure akin to a rollercoaster ride, taking us on a journey from north to south, covering every significant part of Kashmir. It was my first time visiting many of these places, and I was struck by the unique stories behind each shrine and location. From Lolab to Sumbal, I discovered new shrines, Masjids, and Imam Bargahs, each with its fascinating history.
One revelation that left an indelible mark on me was learning about Khansahib, a town in Budgam named after a Sufi saint who came to Kashmir to spread Islam. The series was replete with intriguing facts and stories about various locations in Kashmir, making every day a treasure trove of new knowledge.
On the third day of filming, we embarked on the Pulwama and Pampore episode. The morning struggle to stay awake after Sehri was a challenging start. Shuaib, my camera operator, arrived at my place, and we picked up Mushtaq, our marketing manager, from his residence.
Warmth and Discovery
I had hoped for a positive response, but nothing could have prepared me for the incredible experience that awaited us in Pulwama. Our day of shooting was nothing short of amazement, with everyone we met displaying remarkable cooperation, warmth, and wit. For me, it was a serene experience, as the good-natured conversations left me feeling uplifted. The market vendors were equally impressive, enthusiastically sharing stories about their products and businesses. We later visited a beautiful masjid for Zuhr prayers, where we learned about its remarkable history from the committee. The fact that the youth of the locality had taken the initiative to rebuild it was truly inspiring.
The people of Pulwama will forever hold a special place in my heart, and their love and warmth towards our team remain one of the highlights of the series.
Another unforgettable experience was in Baramulla, a place that resonates deeply with me. We began our day early, joined by Umar Dar, who had recovered from his illness and was now fit to rejoin the team. We started at the Shrine of Syed Janbaz Wali and ended our day at Government College Baramulla, where I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my alma mater. The people we met were warm and friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable. Walking through the narrow lanes of old town Baramulla and strolling along the Jhelum was a refreshing and nostalgic experience, with memories of my college days flooding back. We even had the opportunity to meet some of my former teachers and discuss our professional journeys. For me, it was a homecoming of sorts, and recording on the same campus was a truly special experience.
Finally, there was Downtown, Srinagar – a place that never fails to surprise. We dedicated an entire episode to exploring the old markets, uncovering stories, struggles, and the pain behind the smiles. The episodes were a resounding success, filled with rich content and a mix of everything that makes life worth living. It was, indeed, a Masala episode.
Stories and Encounters
One episode that stands out in my mind is the Zadibal episode, dedicated to the historic Imam Bargah, Zadibal and its surroundings. The true delight of recording there was the enthusiasm of the children, eager to share their thoughts and insights. Their excitement was palpable as they vied to answer our questions, revealing a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Similarly, our experiences at Imam Barah, Budgam and Imam Barah, Magam were marked by the joy and energy of the children we met. Their infectious enthusiasm made our interactions a true pleasure.
One encounter that left an impression on me occurred during the Pahalgam episode shoot. An elderly woman approached us, seeking financial assistance. We explained our mission – posing Quran questions to individuals, with a gift from our sponsor for correct answers. To my surprise, she responded with a thoughtful and well-reasoned answer, accompanied by impeccable justification. This chance encounter taught me a valuable lesson: knowledge knows no bounds, and countless intelligent individuals remain unrecognised, their wisdom unshared on social media.
The Flip Side
Every story has its shadow, and our journey was no exception. While we effortlessly connected with people in many places, others proved to be a formidable challenge.
Handwara stands out as a prime example. After completing our shoots in Kupwara and Lolab, we arrived in Handwara, expecting a seamless experience. However, our enthusiasm was met with a wall of silence. The people were inexplicably camera-shy, their voices muffled by a mix of fear and liberation. No one was willing to share even a few words about their hometown, leaving us struggling to make progress.
As the day wore on, our frustration grew. By 5 pm, we had made little headway, and the prospect of abandoning the episode loomed large. However, a young bearded man broke the ice, answering our first question and kindling a glimmer of hope. We decided to make one final push, seeking inspiration at the Jamia masjid during Asr prayers. The Imam’s humility and warmth reignited our determination. With renewed energy, I took a different approach, engaging people directly and even delivering an impromptu ‘sermon’ to encourage them to share their stories. In under an hour, we completed our questions and bid farewell to Handwara.
Sopore presented another formidable challenge. Despite enlisting the help of local friends, we faced relentless hesitation and reluctance. The experience was very different from the warmth we encountered in Baramulla, a stark contrast within the same district.
Capturing Stories
Anantnag proved to be another testing ground for our team. A full day was devoted to recording a single episode, with only a handful of individuals willing to engage with us. Out of every ten people we approached, nine declined to even listen to our proposal, while the remaining one would politely decline after hearing us out. This pattern repeated itself throughout the day.
Despite Anantnag’s rich history and vibrant business community, offering a treasure trove of stories, the townspeople were hesitant to share their experiences on camera. Perhaps it was a case of camera shyness, but it made our task undeniably challenging.
Fortunately, a friend came to our rescue; assisting us throughout the day and helping us complete the demanding episode. While other locations presented their own set of challenges, none were as daunting as Anantnag.
Upon reflection, I noticed a significant factor contributing to people’s reluctance to speak on camera. As our series was religiously themed, individuals were hesitant to provide answers for fear of being criticised for any mistakes. Despite our assurance that incorrect responses would not be aired, many remained sceptical, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding religious discussions.
Roadside Iftar
Each day presented a new obstacle for our team to overcome. One of the most pressing concerns was breaking our fast on the road, often with scarce resources.
During our shoot at Awantipora, we concluded the episode at the Shrine of Syed Mantaqi just as Iftaar approached. However, we found ourselves alone, with no shops nearby to procure food. Fortune smiled upon us, as we had a small water bottle in our car, which became our humble Iftaar. This was not an isolated incident; work pressure often led us to forget to prepare for Iftaar.
We learned from our mistakes and adapted, carrying packets of dates and water bottles with us, occasionally supplementing with fruit. In many instances, we were fortunate to receive Iftaar from generous individuals distributing milk, dates, and water to travellers on the road. One notable example was during our shoot in Bijbehara, where a kind stranger offered us two milk bottles for our Iftaar.
Throughout our journey, we encountered numerous individuals who insisted we stay for Iftaar at their homes, a testament to the warmth and hospitality of the people we met.
Camaraderie
Throughout our journey, we managed to share only a few Iftaars at our office, mostly during the final days of the month. Many more were enjoyed on the roadside or in the newsroom, where a sense of community and shared experience brought us together.
Our office Iftaars were a delight, with a sumptuous spread of Phirni, fruit chat, and warm conversation that revitalised our spirits and replenished our energy. The Ramzan team was treated to a special feast, and our colleagues eagerly await our return, offering support and appreciation in every way possible.
As the holy month ended, our newsroom organised a grand, full-staff Iftaar party at a local restaurant. We gathered around the table to savour a traditional Wazwan dinner, marking the end of our incredible journey with a sense of gratitude and shared accomplishment.
The Unsung Heroes
As we navigated the complexities of our project, the research team served as the steady anchor, guiding us through turbulent waters. Led by the indefatigable Babra Wani, this dedicated group posed five probing questions daily, often prompting us to exhaust our inquiry and seek further clarification. Through the ubiquitous WhatsApp, I maintained constant communication with Babra, who would frequently forsake sleep, staying awake until the stroke of midnight to ensure a seamless exchange of ideas.
In tandem, my colleague Faiqa Masoodi demonstrated unwavering dedication, furnishing me with meticulous research on each locale we visited. Her thoughtfulness extended to ensuring our sustenance, as we returned from arduous day-long shoots, thanks to the culinary expertise of Bisma Wani and Fayaz Najar. Their nourishing meals revitalised our energies, fortifying us for the challenges ahead.
Aiman Fayaz, the youngest member of our newsroom, embodied unbridled enthusiasm, assisting her colleagues with alacrity and excitement. Her infectious zeal permeated our workspace, buoying our spirits.
As we approached the culmination of our 30-episode series, an unexpected hurdle arose: Ramzan‘s abbreviated 29 days threatened to disrupt our schedule. Undaunted, Imran rose to the occasion, selflessly dedicating his Eid day to editing the final episode, ensuring our project’s timely completion.
A Heartwarming Reception
As our episodes aired, a remarkable phenomenon unfolded: people began to recognise us, and our team’s dedication resonated deeply. Wherever we went, warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation awaited us, transcending age boundaries. The elderly and children alike engaged us in conversations about our work, filling our hearts with joy. This outpouring of love inspired us to strive for excellence, as recognition fuelled our passion to create even better content.
Even now, when someone recognizes me, they inevitably reference the series. Some affectionately dub me Ramzan series or Hum Ramzan Mei Hain, nicknames that have become synonymous with my identity. Colleagues share stories of their loved ones embracing me as one of their own, fondly calling me Gillani. I have been told that many family members and friends closely follow my work, a testament to the series’ impact.
Beyond face-to-face encounters, our social media platforms overflowed with gratitude. Viewers eagerly inquired about our next destination and suggested locations for future shoots. Friends messaged me about their parents’ admiration for my work, which brought immense delight. Social media and personal messages poured in, acknowledging the tireless effort invested in each episode.
The series bestowed upon me not only recognition but, more profoundly, an abundance of blessings from all who watched. This heartfelt appreciation has left an indelible mark on my journey.
The Light-hearted Moments
Amidst the chaos of production, a humorous aspect emerged: my friends’ fascination with my on-screen attire.“Love your wardrobe in every episode, I hope you get to keep them after the shoot too,” a friend quipped over WhatsApp. Numerous messages poured in, with friends jokingly requesting I set aside a few outfits for them, under the assumption I would get to keep the entire wardrobe.
Another source of amusement was the gift hampers. Friends frequently inquired about their contents, often jokingly asking me to reserve a few for them, assuming I would receive a plethora. Even now, they teasingly accuse me of secretly hoarding the gifts and wardrobe, refusing to believe I did not get to keep them.
Series editor Iqra Akhoon once chuckled and said, Meinny aaj tak itna kisi ko nai dekha hai, as she edited all the episodes. Her words still resonate, capturing the essence of our experience.
The journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, veering from stress when work felt incomplete to satisfaction when our efforts were praised. Ultimately, the experience was a pleasant, informative, and enriching adventure.
I hope our series continues to thrive, and our hard work bears fruit. Kashmir Life aims to sustain the Jashn-e-Ramzan spirit for years to come.
