Baabarr Mudacer, a musician from Kashmir, has gained recognition not only for his music but also for his philanthropic efforts. With performances across India and beyond, he continues to captivate audiences with his unique style and dedication to giving back.
“Delhi is always my favourite. No matter where I perform, I always have a great time,” Baabarr told Patriot during his recent visit to the city for an event. He performed at Pacific Mall, Jasola, where he received an overwhelming response from the audience.
When asked how Delhi’s audience compares to others, he said he finds it particularly engaging. “Delhi’s audience is very interactive. They connect deeply with the artiste, and that makes performing here an unforgettable experience,” he said.
Baabarr has performed in various cities, including Jaisalmer and Chandigarh. However, the energy in Delhi remains special for him. “Every time I perform here, I feel a different kind of joy and energy. The response from the crowd is fantastic,” he added.
Having performed in the Capital numerous times, he says he has lost count of his total number of performances here. “I’ve lost count! I must have performed at least 30 to 50 times,” he admitted.
Baabarr has fond memories of Delhi, having spent part of his childhood visiting places like Zakir Nagar and Okhla with friends. “One thing I absolutely love about Delhi is its food—especially the Nihari. Almost every time I visit, I make sure to have it. The rich flavours and slow-cooked taste are just incredible,” he said.
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Influences and performances
Baabarr has released several popular songs that have garnered millions of views on Instagram and other social media platforms.
His musical inspirations are as diverse as his own style. In classical music, he admires legends such as Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Jagjit Singh, Ustad Mehdi Hassan, and Ustad Ghulam Ali. In rap, he looks up to Bohemia, Eminem, and 50 Cent. “My mood influences my music choices—sometimes I listen to ghazals, and other times, when I’m driving with friends, I enjoy rap.”
Among his performances, Kolkata holds a special place in his heart. “My performance in Kolkata in September 2022 was very memorable. I sang Mera dil ye pukaare aajaa, mere gham ke sahaare aajaa, Bhigaa bhigaa hai sama, Aise me hai tu kahaan—and it went viral. The response was overwhelming,” he said.
This performance video on his YouTube channel garnered an incredible 65 million views.
Humble beginnings
Born as Mudacer Hassan Dar in the Dachigam area of Bandipora, Baabarr comes from a modest background. His father, Ghulam Hassan Dar, works in a sawmill, while his mother, Gulshan Ara, is a homemaker.
During his school days, Baabarr was often the centre of attention because of his powerful voice. “Whenever we had school outings, I was always the one singing. It felt natural, and people loved listening,” he recalled.
However, financial constraints forced him to drop out after the 12th grade. He took up work in a private construction company, earning a modest income. Despite his struggles, he never let go of his passion for music.
“I believe that whatever is written in your destiny, you are meant to do. I have been passionate about music since childhood, and with Allah’s help, I continued my journey. Success takes time, but with hard work and dedication, things eventually fall into place,” he added.
Music as a mission
Baabarr’s journey into music took a serious turn in 2017 when he encountered a woman begging outside a mosque.
“She had lost her husband and was left with six daughters, struggling to survive. I wanted to help, but I wasn’t financially strong myself,” he said.
Determined to make a difference, he formed a musical band, Mad Rockstar, with his friends. “We started practising and learning instruments through mobile apps. When we felt ready, we approached our school for a performance,” he shared.
Their debut performance raised Rs 3,500, which they donated to the woman and her family. Encouraged by this, they began identifying more people in need and organising performances to raise funds.
“Our performances were not about why someone needed help, but about how we could help them,” he explained. “I knew music could be more than just entertainment—it could be a tool to bring change.”
Despite his growing fame, Baabarr remains deeply connected to his roots and committed to helping others. His initiative, Kash Graph, aims to assist students preparing for competitive exams. “My life experiences have shaped my desire to help others. I spent a lot of time in isolation and learned the importance of support. Since I understand the struggles of students, I wanted to create something meaningful for them.”
He also introduces people in need to his audience during live shows. At the end of most of these shows, he shares the bank details of the needy person so that people can donate to the cause.
His generosity extends beyond education. A significant portion of his earnings goes toward helping those in need. “Helping others is part of my nature. As I mentioned, my life has been different, and I understand what it means to struggle. When you help someone and receive their blessings, that is the most precious thing in the world. Money and fame come and go, but blessings stay with you. I truly believe that whatever success I have achieved is because of the blessings I have received.”
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A promoter of Kashmiri culture
Baabarr takes immense pride in his Kashmiri heritage and incorporates it into his performances.
“I take immense pride in my culture. When I perform abroad, there are very few Kashmiris in the audience. People often ask me about my attire—whether it’s the pheran and Pulhour (grass slippers). They admire it and even want to own it. This interest helps generate revenue for artisans back home, which makes me happy. I always wear my pheran on stage because it makes me feel connected to Kashmir,” he said.
As Baabarr continues his journey, his focus remains on music, culture, and giving back to society. For him, music is not just about fame—it’s a way to create a lasting impact.
“I want to open my own music academy, where young artists can pursue their passion without fear. Music gave me a purpose, and I want to help others find theirs,” he said.
