SRINAGAR: Phones have not stopped ringing at Zaz household since the family patriarch Ghulam Mohammad was conferred with Padma Shri.
Musicians from across the country and abroad have been calling Zaz to congratulate him for the honor. For the unversed, the septuagenarian craftsman is the only surviving Santoor maker in Kashmir.
“We have been receiving calls from across. Musicians and other customers called to congratulate me. This award has come a hard way. The government recognized our contribution and bestowed me with this award,” Zaz told The Kashmir Monitor.
For generations, the Zaz family of Zaina Kadal has been involved in manufacturing Santoor, Kashmiri Sitar, Saaz-e-Kashmiri, and other instruments which have been used by the who-is-who of the music industry.
Not only Kashmir instruments, Zaz is also known for making pan-Indian musical instruments including Tanpura, Sur Bahar, Sitar. Tawoos, Dilruba, and others.
“Our instruments were superior in quality. So many people used to visit us to buy instruments. Customers from outside too were buying instruments from us,” he said.
A third-generation musical instrument maker, Zaz has inherited this art from his father and grandfather. His uncles too were involved in the instrument-making business.
“Our generations have been associated with this art. I went to school before switching to this art. We have nurtured this art for ages. Our instruments are in different museums,” he said.
Santoor maestroes Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma and Pt Bhajan Sopori were also using his instruments. “Sharma and Sopori Gharanas were also using our Santoor. They used to play our instruments. It is an honor for all of us,” he said.
Father of three girls, Zaz’s elder daughter is a doctor, another is working in the education department and the third one is working in the health department. “My son-in-law is a doctor, another is an engineer and the third one is a top government officer. By the grace of Allah, all three daughters are highly qualified. Everything is because of this craft. We have been an honest and hardworking family. Allah has been very kind to us,” he said.
Despite being in his mid-seventies, Zaz continues to pursue his craft like a teenager. “This craft is embedded in me. I continue to pursue this craft which has become my passion. In Sha Allah, it will continue till my last breath,” he said.
