Thursday, March 5, 2026
17.8 C
Srinagar

Kashmiri Artists: The Artistic Journey of Anantnag’s Sohail Ahmad Butt

Anantnag (Azadi Times): The district of Anantnag in Indian-administered Kashmir boasts artists like no other, with one such individual turning shadow portraiture into a life’s passion.

Against the backdrop of insufficient basic amenities in the village of Kug Nag, located approximately 20 kilometers from Anantnag, Sohail Ahmad Butt has been tirelessly working on his art for the past four years.

He recounted his childhood fascination with such pursuits, stating, “I always felt drawn towards such things. I envisioned doing something new and began by creating shadows of animals.”

Editor's Note

Support Fearless Journalism

No state backing. No paywalls. Just truth. Support Kashmir's independent voice. Join 2,400+ patrons who fund independent voices.

Zero Paywalls
Reader Funded
Award Winning
Become a Patron From $5/month • Cancel anytime
Secure Payment
Encrypted

As his interest grew, Sohail persistently pursued his craft, even amidst several initial setbacks. He shared, “When I started creating animal shadows, a boy approached me and asked me to make his shadow. I began working on it, and after a considerable period, achieved success.”

Sohail revealed that as his passion intensified, he encountered several challenges along the way. “It took me nearly a month to complete my first shadow portrait… I faced difficulties initially and felt discouraged because I thought it would take a lot of time to create that shadow.”

“My first shadow wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be, but with repeated efforts, it kept improving,” he added.

Creating a single portrait takes Sohail approximately five hours, utilizing tools such as scissors, knives, paper, glue, and other materials.

Over the years, Sohail has crafted shadow portraits of renowned personalities, including cricketer Virat Kohli, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and others.

Despite financial constraints, Sohail has reached out to local authorities for support and cooperation, aiming to further polish his talent.

“I appeal to the government for assistance so that I can work on new innovations and ideas,” he concluded.

Sohail’s story serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity that thrive even amidst challenging circumstances, highlighting the importance of nurturing and supporting artistic endeavors within communities.

Hot this week

Authorities Register FIRs Against Prominent Figures; Public Advised to Verify Information from Official Sources

Srinagar, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – In a significant move to...

Kashmir Authorities Impose Strict Curbs Amid Protests Over Iranian Supreme Leader’s Death

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – Following the assassination of Iranian...

Kashmir Weather Forecast: Daytime Temperatures Set to Rise, Mountain Areas May See Light Snow

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – The Meteorological Department has issued...

Curfew Continues in Skardu Amid Deadly Protests

Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan administered Kahsmir) – Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan...

Indian Opposition Condemns Khamenei Killing as Modi Government Remains Silent

New Delhi, India – The Indian National Congress, the...

Top Stories

Kashmir Authorities Impose Strict Curbs Amid Protests Over Iranian Supreme Leader’s Death

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – Following the assassination of Iranian...

Kashmir Weather Forecast: Daytime Temperatures Set to Rise, Mountain Areas May See Light Snow

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – The Meteorological Department has issued...

Curfew Continues in Skardu Amid Deadly Protests

Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan administered Kahsmir) – Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan...

Indian Opposition Condemns Khamenei Killing as Modi Government Remains Silent

New Delhi, India – The Indian National Congress, the...

PTI Condemns Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed profound...

JKJAAC Leaders Express Solidarity with Iran Amid Rising US-Israel Aggression

Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – Leaders from Pakistan-administered Kashmir have...

Pro-Iran Protests Turn Deadly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Several Killed

Gilgit, pakistan administered Kashmir: At least seven people have...
spot_img

Related Stories