Kupwara, Nov 11 (HS): Veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu on Wednesday said he had come to Kashmir for the first time in his life and realised the truth about the place only after arriving.

Calling Kashmir “paradise of India”, he urged people across the country, particularly those from showbiz, to visit.

Speaking to reporters at the grand finale of “Kashmir Got Talent” here, Sanu said: “Kashmir is a place I would love to come to again and again. I liked the people here very much. I visited several places and loved Srinagar too. A pleasant atmosphere is taking shape here.”

He thanked the Indian Army wholeheartedly for it, adding that many other brothers and sisters are also working hard to restore peace in the region.

Explaining why he had not visited earlier, Sanu said: “I had not come here because conditions were not being described as favourable for it. After coming here, I realised the truth.”

“Everyone should come to Kashmir,” he said. “Whatever we were told about Kashmir until now was not right. Come to Kashmir and meet the children here. I especially want to tell everyone in showbiz to visit Kashmir. Kashmir truly is paradise of India, and we will not let this paradise be spoiled.”

Sanu said the youth here have an inclination towards art and that Kashmiris are very talented. “I will continue to support the people here,” he said. “We are watching Qazi ji on Bigg Boss these days, and he is a gentle man. I will try to sing with the talent that is here. I cannot do more than that, because a singer can collaborate on only one song.”

The singer also said such events need to be held not only in Kupwara but in other districts as well, especially in remote areas where talented young people are unable to come forward. “I would urge the government to open a music academy here,” he said.

He said the district magistrate is serious about the idea. “Perhaps in the future you will see an academy or a music school here,” he said. “I will do whatever I can from my side.”

Kupwara, in north Kashmir, is hosting the first-ever “Kashmir Got Talent”, a competition meant to give a platform to emerging artists, particularly from the remote border district.

Auditions began on November 8 at Government Degree College, Kupwara. The event is being organised jointly by the Indian Army, the Kupwara district administration and the production company Taha Film International. More than 350 participants had registered by November 4. Sanu and actor-producer Harman Baweja were among the guests at the finale.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat