Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, a versatile actor, theatre practitioner, TV producer, and filmmaker, has been honoured with the prestigious Jammu and Kashmir Government Award (2025) for his outstanding contributions to the field of performing arts, particularly theatre.
Born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Mushtaaque completed his post-graduation from Kashmir University in 1982. His artistic journey began in 1974 as a child artist on television before transitioning into professional acting and stage performances. Over the years, he has become a key figure in the cultural landscape of the region, dedicating his life to preserving and promoting the performing arts.
With more than four decades of experience, Mushtaaque has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at engaging the younger generation in nation-building activities while safeguarding the unique cultural nuances of Kashmir. His relentless commitment to the field has earned him recognition from the government, non-governmental organizations, and both the public and private sectors.
Mushtaaque has previously received over 20 prestigious awards and felicitations for his contributions. Notably, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Sh. Manoj Sinha, at a ceremony in Srinagar on 25th October 2022.
His legacy in theatre, radio, TV, and filmmaking is extensive. He is credited with producing and directing documentaries for UGC's countrywide classroom initiative through the Audio-Visual Research Centre (AVRC) at Kashmir University. Additionally, he is the chairman of ACT – For A Better Tomorrow (formerly known as Actors' Creative Theatre), an organization that has been active in the fields of art, culture, film, and literature since 1976.
Throughout his career, Mushtaaque has produced and directed more than 400 episodes of over 40 TV serials, 10 telefilms, more than 50 documentaries, and several short films and music albums. He has collaborated with prominent organizations such as DD Kashir, DD Urdu, J&K Tourism, the Excise Department, and Kashmir University, solidifying his reputation as a renowned figure not only in Kashmir but across India.
Mushtaaque also founded and directs the Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) and has successfully organized four editions of the event. His dedication to the arts extends beyond production, as he regularly conducts film and theatre festivals, seminars, and other cultural functions, involving thousands of art enthusiasts.
Recently, he had the privilege of serving as a member of the international jury at the Nepal Cultural Film Festival (NCIFF), held in Kathmandu in 2024.
This latest recognition underscores Mushtaaque's profound impact on the cultural and artistic communities of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond, celebrating his lifelong commitment to enriching the world of performing arts.
Comments are closed.