Nazir Josh

Nazir Josh, also known as Ahad Raza and ‘The Charlie Chaplin of Kashmir,' was a rapper and folk dancer of Kashmir born in Budgam in 1955. Born to a family of actors, he started his career in 1967 at a local school and then joined the National Theatre Budgam. His first performance was as a lead role in a folk play. Totma, Hazar Dastan, Jumma German, Raza Honz, Vazvaan, Poshe Phate and Shehrang are some of his hits. He has also done numerous TV serials, Radio serials and Theatre performances in various characters. He has won awards like The Best Comedian-cum-Actor Award presented by His Excellency the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir State in 1998. Blot Humorous Actor Award presented by Jehlum Art Media, Srinagar, Kashmir (1999).

Certificate of Merit awarded by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Srinagar, in 2004. Best Tele-Film Maker Award, presented by Kashmir Welfare Award in 1999. Best Award for Contribution to the Electronic Media in Kashmir Valley presented by Radio Kashmir, Srinagar, 1997. Certificate of Honour (Jashn-e-Jamhoor), awarded by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, J&K. Felicitated as "Khilat-e-Mehjoor" by Cultural Educational and Environmental Organization in 2012.