SRINAGAR: Asha Zaroo, Kashmir’s famed theatre and Radio artist bid her final farewell today at the age of 72. The legendary artist succumbed to a brief illness, leaving a void in the world of performing arts. She was cremated in Jammu on Wednesday afternoon.
Asha Zaroo’s legacy is marked by an unparalleled dedication to promoting and fortifying the rich cultural tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir. Breaking through societal norms at a time when female participation in cultural programmes was a rarity, she paved the way for others with her exceptional talent. From her early years, she immersed herself in acting, gracing serials on Doordarshan, radio broadcasts, and theatrical performances. Notably, her portrayal of Maa in a TV serial later staged at Abhinav Theatre etched her name in the annals of Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic history.
Asha Zaroo’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, encompassing her involvement with the Young Man’s Cultural Association and her service in the Song and Dramatic Division of the Government of India. Her remarkable contributions did not go unnoticed, as she received accolades from various organisations for her outstanding service to the field of art and culture.
In the realm of radio, Asha Zaroo became a familiar voice through her regular participation in the daily feature Wangej Wour on Radio Sharda, portraying the character of Asha, the sister of Pappa Ji. Her impact resonated far beyond her performances, influencing and inspiring generations of artists in the region.
“She was basically a theatre actress but equally contributed to the Radio,” Mohammad Amin Bhat, who heads the Adbi Markaz Kamraz said. “In comparison, she contributed less to the visual medium.” However, what is exceptional about her is that she proved her mettle at a very young age and continued contributing until the end of her life.
“Asha Ji belonged to a family that has contributed to the culture hugely,” Bhat said. “Her elder sister, Bharati Zaroo is also a very well-respected artist whose contribution is immense,” Bhat said Asha started her career by playing a major role in Ghulam Rasool Santoshi’s famous Bout the Bulldozer.
Playwright Dr Sohan Lal Koul remembered Asha working in his plays. “I will mention one, the Local Taxes Extra which was a situational comedy of the 1980s and it bagged the Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Academy Award,” Dr Koul said. The play has been enacted 100 times. “In that play, she was the lead opposite Shadi Lal Koul.” Koul and Zaroo were born in the same locality.
Asha was born to Late Gulab Nath Zaroo and Arandati Zaroo and the family lived in Zaindar Mohalla, Srinagar. Post-migration, they lived in the Lale Da Bagh locality of Jammu.