Ghulam Nabi Sheikh (Kashmiri: ग़ुलाम नबी शेख़ (Devanagari), غلام نبی شیخ (Nastaleeq)) was a noted Kashmir Indian singer who revived Kashmiri music after the Pandits left Kashmir during the turmoil in the early 1990s. He gained widespread popularity in the rest of India, and became particularly famous in Kashmir, where he is still remembered as the "Mehdi Hassan of Kashmir".
Sheikh is believed to have lived a very simple life. He had set up a free music school where he taught music to people interested in singing. Sheikh is survived by two daughters and son.
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Sheikh started his career at the young age of 14. He was widely honored with many national and international awards. The Chief Minister of Kashmir rewarded him on several occasions for his contributions to the music and art of Kashmir. Chief Minister Of Kashmir.[1]
Sheikh died in mysterious circumstances on the night of July 13-14 in 2003. It is believed that the Punjab police killed the singer as they hurriedly cremated his body to destroy evidence. Sheikh's unexpected death was received with an outpouring of grief in Kashmir[2].
In 2007, the Punjab and Chandigarh High Court handed over Sheikh's case to the CBI. But the criminal investigation body of India is yet to unravel the mystery surrounding the singer's death. The family of the noted singer is planning on again filing a lawsuit against his murder.
Known for his Sufi and Ghazal singing, Sheikh's songs are very popular in Kashmir. Every year on July 13, he is remembered by his fans and friends. An award has been instituted in his name which encourages young talent in Kashmir in the field of music and fine arts.