From a colourful mural in Srinagar to animated discussions on social media, Kashmir-born singer Qazi Touqeer is drawing renewed attention across the valley during his ongoing stint on Bigg Boss 20, with supporters celebrating his return to the national spotlight nearly 21 years after his breakthrough.
The singer, who rose to fame after winning the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005, has once again become a talking point, this time for his theatrical expressions, spontaneous humour, dramatic reactions and signature catchphrase, “I’m a rockstar, baby.”
The growing enthusiasm was visible in Srinagar, where local artists Shahraan Fayaz and Sahil Manzoor created a colourful mural of Touqeer near Amar Singh College. The artwork has attracted passers-by, with people stopping to admire the portrait and take selfies. Its photographs and videos have also circulated on social media, bringing his television comeback into the city’s public spaces.
Inside the Bigg Boss house, Touqeer has adopted a larger-than-life persona, frequently singing, cracking jokes and using exaggerated expressions to entertain viewers. His attempt to explain Gen Z dating terminology to fellow contestant Mary Kom and his dramatic reactions during tasks have generated online discussion.
For some viewers, his willingness to be unconventional and make people laugh is a major part of his appeal. Others have questioned whether some of his antics go too far, making him one of the more debated personalities on the show.
Former Bigg Boss contestant Hina Khan, who also has Kashmiri roots, publicly expressed pride in his comeback.
“As a fellow Kashmiri, I’m genuinely happy and proud to see Qazi winning hearts and once again being celebrated like a rockstar after all these years,” she wrote on social media, while also expressing reservations about presenting illness as entertainment.
Speaking to the media, his uncle said Touqeer had enjoyed making people laugh since childhood and was similarly lively in real life.
For many admirers in Kashmir, the Srinagar mural and online celebrations reflect the pride of seeing a local talent return to national television.
Whether viewers admire his humour, question his tactics or simply enjoy the drama, Touqeer has succeeded in keeping conversations around him alive.
“We are happy that Qazi has made it to Bigg Boss and is making all of us laugh. We want him to win and make Kashmir proud,” said Najiya, a university student from Srinagar who has been following his work for a long time.
“I recently noticed that a shopkeeper in Srinagar had put up a painting of Qazi outside his shop, urging people to support him. This shows the kind of love and support he is receiving from Kashmiris,” said Faisal Ahmad, a shopkeeper from Munawarabad, Srinagar.
