Rajinder Tickoo, a distinguished Kashmiri theatre artist, actor and producer associated with Network18, breathed his last in Jammu on Sunday.
According to news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Tickoo’s death has left the cultural fraternity in mourning, as he was regarded as a key figure in reviving Ladishah Kashmir’s age-old satirical musical storytelling tradition.
His passing is seen as a major loss to the region’s artistic community, particularly to the folk form he tirelessly promoted and popularised through contemporary media.
Tickoo earned wide recognition for his Ladishah presentations on ETV Urdu, where he appeared in traditional Kashmiri attire, wearing a pheran and turban, and performing to the rhythm of the dhukar instrument.
Through his unique blend of satire, humour and insightful social commentary, he succeeded in reconnecting audiences with a fading oral tradition by making it relevant to present-day issues.
Originally hailing from Martand in Anantnag district, Tickoo had been living in Jammu. He began his journey in theatre in 1990 and went on to act in numerous stage plays and telefilms over a career spanning more than three decades.
Known for his sharp expression and relatable storytelling, he is widely credited with bringing Ladishah closer to the younger generation via television and modern platforms.
Members of the cultural community across Jammu and Kashmir have termed his contribution invaluable in preserving and rejuvenating a traditional art form that was on the verge of decline.
