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{{Cleanup press release|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Abhay Rustum Sopori
| image = ARS TEDx.jpg
| birth_name = Abhay Rustum Sopori
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1979|06|07}}
| birth_place = [[Srinagar]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]
| occupation = Musician, Composer
| years_active = 
| relatives = [[Bhajan Sopori]] (father)
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| origin = [[Kashmiri Pandit|Kashmiri]]
| genre = Fusion music, [[Hindustani classical music]]
| instrument = Santoor
| associated_acts = [[Bhajan Sopori]]
| website = {{URL|abhaysopori.com}}
}} 
}}

'''Abhay Rustum Sopori''' (born 7 June 1979) is an Indian [[Santoor]] player, music composer and conductor. He is the son of Santoor player [[Pandit Bhajan Sopori]], known for his versatility, innovations and experimentation. Sopori has received awards in recognition of his contribution in the field of music, and is one of the youngest recipients of awards such as 'Bharat Shiromani Award' & 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar'.<ref name=":8">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-24/news-and-interviews/34707271_1_folk-music-classical-music-ensemble |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411033110/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-24/news-and-interviews/34707271_1_folk-music-classical-music-ensemble |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2013 |title=Senior artistes have made music their jaagir: Abhay Sopori |first=Iti shree |last=Misra |date=24 October 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/sopooris-bag-pride-of-india-award/|title=Pride of India Awards|date=15 November 2015|work=Greater Kashmir News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/pride-of-india-awards-to-bhajan-sopori-abhay-sopori/|title=Pride of India Award to Bhajan Sopori, Abhay Sopori|date=15 November 2015|website=dailyexcelsior.com}}</ref> Abhay was invited to speak at the international conference [[TEDx]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://issuu.com/livinglocalmag/docs/living_local-june2014-issuu1|title=Abhay at TEDx|page=37}}</ref>

== Life and career ==
=== Early life and family ===
[[File:Abhay and Pt. Bhajan Sopori.jpg|right|thumb|2020: Abhay performing with Pt. Bhajan Sopori ji]]
Abhay Rustum Sopori was born on 7 June 1979 in the city of [[Srinagar]] situated in the [[Kashmir Valley]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India into a [[Kashmiri Pandit]] family. His parents were musician Bhajan Sopori and Aparna Sopori,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theresilienttribe.blogspot.com/2017/01/living-legacy-abhay-rustum-sopori.html|title=Survival stories of Kashmiri Hindus living in exile|website=The Resilient Tribe|date=14 January 2017 }}</ref> a professor of English literature. He learned Santoor under the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara of his mystic Shaivite-Sufi tradition from his grandfather Shamboo Nath Sopori,<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|last=Sopori|first=Shamboo Nath|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/musician-pandit-shamboo-nath-sopori-dies-at-98-116032301085_1.html|title=Musician Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori|work=Business Standard}}</ref> hailed as the "Father of Classical Music" in Jammu and Kashmir and his father Bhajan Sopori.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/another-sopori-rises/article6401076.ece|title=Another Sopori rises|website=The Hindu|date=11 September 2014 }}</ref>

Abhay represents the ''Sufiana Gharana'' of Kashmir, coming from a family of traditional Santoor players, spanning over nine generations spread over more than 300 years.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://jkmonitor.org/index.php/interviews/51811-abhay-sopori-awarded-%E2%80%98top-grade%E2%80%99-by-air.html|title=Traditional Santoor family spanning over nine generations over more than 300 years|website=JKMonitor.ord}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/celebrate-indian-classical-art-with-delhi-classical-music-festival/1173553|title=Celebrate Indian Classical Art with Indian classical Music|website=Outlook India}}</ref>

Sopori has a bachelor's and master's degree in Music from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh, India and holds bachelors in Commerce from [[Delhi University]] and Computers from [[Indira Gandhi National Open University]].

=== Career ===
Sopori was trained in Indian classical music from his childhood, as well as Western and Sufiana music.{{Citation needed|date= June 2022}} Apart from santoor, he also learned vocals, Indian classical sitar, Sufiana sitar and piano.{{Citation needed|date= June 2022}} He recorded his first song at the age of 3 for a musical feature for [[All India Radio]] composed by his father and was also part of his father's grand choral presentation featuring over 8000 voices in Srinagar Kashmir in 1985.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Kashmiri-composer-Abhay-Rustum-Sopori-on-sharing-the-stage-with-Zubin-Mehta/articleshow/22431829.cms|title=On stage with Zubin Mehta|newspaper=The Times of India|date=9 September 2013 }}</ref>

He presented his first Choral presentation featuring over 100 singers in October 2005 in Kashmir organised by Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts (SaMaPa).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} Abhay's J&K Folk Music Ensembles (Soz-o-Saaz) have also been presented at various other festivals and conferences, which include the 'Jammu & Kashmir Festival' presented at the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts in New Delhi in 2009<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/folk-music-ensemble/433304/|title=Folk Music Ensemble}}</ref> and Ganesh Kala KridaRangmanch in Pune in 2010,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/pune-news/kashmiri-folk-music-leaves-pune-audience-captivated-442451|title=Kashmiri folk music leaves Pune audience captivated|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> which left the audiences captivated and mesmerized. Abhay's Classical fusions have also received rave reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/node/42891|title=Abhay Sopori mesmerises audience}}</ref>

In 2000, Abhay started his musical work in Kashmir performing for the youth across the Valley promoting Indian classical music and culture and is credited with changing the entire cultural scenario of Jammu & Kashmir bringing the youth together through music. His concerts in border areas of J&K have been attended by over 20,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shehjar.com/blog/SaMaPa-Aalap-Festival-2012-resonates-at-Khour,-Rajouri-&-Jammu2004|title=Shehjar}}</ref>

[[File:Abhay with maestro Mr. Zubin Mehta.jpg|thumb|Abhay Rustum Sopori conducting along with Zubin Mehta in Kashmir 2013|alt=|left]]Since his debut as a Classical Santoor player in mid 1990s, Abhay has performed in prestigious festivals across [[India]] and around the world in countries like the [[United States]], [[Russia]], [[Brazil]], [[Mauritius]], [[Japan]], [[South Korea]], [[Singapore]], [[Germany]], [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Slovakia]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Hungary]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]], [[Spain]], [[Slovenia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Vietnam]], [[Morocco]], [[Iran]], [[Israel]], [[Bahrain]], [[Dubai]], etc.

Sopori introduced the concept of 'Sufi Music Ensemble' titled 'Sufi Kinship®’ in 2011 featuring 35 musicians and Santoor led an Indian Classical Music Ensemble in 2014 featuring 25 musicians<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/lks-samapa-to-bring-sufi-kinship-to-delhi/articleshow/9733653.cms|title=LKS, SaMaPa to bring Sufi Kinship to Delhi|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=25 August 2011 }}</ref> and performed at various concerts across India.

He scored the music for the fusion composition titled Haftrang (seven colors in Kashmiri) in 2013 performed by the [[Bavarian State Orchestra]] of Germany, together with his Kashmiri folk music ensemble Soz-o-Saaz, giving international recognition to Kashmiri music. The concert was telecast live in more than 100 countries. The orchestra consisted of around 100 musicians.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/the-dawn-of-spring-530515|title=The Dawn of Spring|work=The Tribune India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/world-will-hear-kashmiri-musicians-sevenminute-composition/article5101582.ece|title=World will hear Kashmiri musician's seven-minute composition|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicplus.in/abhay-rustom-sopori-flag-bearer-300-years-old-Santoor-legacy/|title=Abhay Rustom Sopori – flag bearer of a 300 years old Santoor legacy|website=MusicPlus.in|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616221403/https://www.musicplus.in/abhay-rustom-sopori-flag-bearer-300-years-old-santoor-legacy/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Sopori has also done international collaborations including presentations with the Austrian [[Vienna Boys Choir]], Moroccan Lutist Haj Younis, Iranian santoor player Darius Saghafi, American dulcimer player Malcom Dalgish, French clarinetist Laurent Clouet & others.<ref name=":0" />

He has held various cultural positions like:

* General Secretary, SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts) (SaMaPa), one of the most prominent and prestigious music academies and organizations of India (2005 onwards)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/samapa-sangeet-sammelan-to-be-held-from-nov-19/1663351|title=SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan|website=OutlookIndia.com}}</ref>
* Member of Central Committee, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Govt. of J&K (2016 onwards)<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/jkaacl-holds-general-council-meet-after-35-years/|title=JKAACL holds General Council meet|website=GreaterKashmir.com}}</ref>
* Member of General Council, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Govt. of J&K (2016 onwards)<ref name=":17" />
* Member, Editorial Board, JK Music Initiative, Music Journal by Department of Higher Education, Govt. of J&K (2018 onwards)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jkhighereducation.nic.in/music/vol_1_no_1/jk_music_initiative_music_research_journal_vol_01_no_01_april_2018.pdf|title=The Music Initiative}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.journeyline.in/newsdet.aspx?q=151301|title=Review Music Initiative}}</ref>
* Visiting Faculty, University of Massachusetts, Amherst USA (2004)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131026/trends.htm#3|title=Abhay Rustum Sopori Carrying forward a musical legacy|website=The Tribune India}}</ref>

== Artistry ==

=== Style of Santoor ===
Sopori's Classical Santoor performance is marked by mellifluous playing, lightning tempo, clarity and accuracy of Indian Classical ''Raga'' exposition and adoption of the ''Sopori Baaj (''style'')'', the unique and systematic format of Santoor playing created by his father.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/magazine/06june25/inner.htm#2|title=Santoor and Sufiana music|website=DailyExcelsior}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vikalpsangam.org/article/carrying-forward-the-tradition-1/#.XpxxAFMzbMU|title=Carrying Forward Tradition (Vikalpsangam)|website=Vikalpsangam|date=26 November 2016 }}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|url=https://businessofcinema.com/bollywood-news/sopori-baaj-resonates-on-us-independence-day/15441|title=Sopori baaj resonates on US Independence Day|website=Business of Cinema|date=17 July 2006 }}</ref>

Presentation of Dhrupad system along with the accompaniment of the ''Pakhawaj'' is also a special characteristic of his Sopori ''Baaj'' and performance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asianage.com/life/more-features/140119/curtain-raiser-sanskriti-kumbh.html|title=Sansriti Kumbh|website=asianage.com|date=14 January 2019 }}</ref> He sings the compositions along with their instrumental rendering reviving his traditional Shaivaite - Sufi Santoor Parampara.<ref name=":14" />

=== Innovations and creations ===
Sopori continues to innovate and experiment with Santoor to further extend its dimensions. He has introduced the ''Open String Concept'', together with the ''Enhanced Sustain Technique'', giving a new dimension to the sound. He also established the concept of ‘'Gayan-Vadan Baaj'’ (vocal-instrumental system) and ‘'Been Ang' for the Santoor'.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/Carrying-forward-the-tradition/article16687528.ece|title=Carrying forward the tradition|website=The Hindu|date=23 November 2016 }}</ref> He invented, designed and introduced a 30-stringed instrument in 2004 named as Sur-Santoor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/06/06/abhay-sopori-dedicates-ustad-bismillah-khan-award-to-jk-1181126520.html|title=Sur-Santoor|website=OneIndia.com|date=6 June 2007 }}</ref>

Sopori has been instrumental in reviving the old ''Sufiana'' compositions of his predecessors and adopted them in the Indian Classical scenario and also composed and introduced new ''Khayal'' compositions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/for-the-mind-and-soul-55591|title=For the mind and soul|website=millenniumpost.in|date=22 February 2015 }}</ref> ''Raga Nirmalkauns''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/marquee/exuding-unbridled-refinement-2-1502460377.html|title=Raga Nirmalkauns|website=The Statesman|date=30 December 2016 }}</ref> named after Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi and ''Raga MahaKali''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi-city-music-ceremony-organises-in-maa-kusmanda-durga-temple-19533959.html|title=Raga Mahakali - DainikJagran|website=Jagran.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/melodic-melange/article30105768.ece|title=Melodic melange|website=The Hindu|date=28 November 2019 }}</ref> named after Goddess Mother Kali are Abhay's newly composed [[Raga]]s.

=== Composer ===
Abhay has composed music for Films, Telefilms, Short Films, Serials (TV & Radio) and Documentaries. He recently debuted as a composer in Bollywood commercial cinema with [[Shikara (2020 film)|Shikara]] movie and composed the Love theme song Dilbar Lagyo and the Wedding Song titled Shukrana Gul Khile.

His other work includes Mahatma, a documentary film by Government of India on Mahatma Gandhi, presented at the United Nations marking the first International Non-violence Day,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/classical-fusion-needs-dedication-18103|title=Classical fusion needs dedication|website=millenniumpost.in|date=17 January 2013 }}</ref> the Kashmiri film Bub,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://themitpost.com/saint-of-the-Santoor-bhajan-sopori/|title=Saint of Santoor|website=The MIT Post|date=19 December 2016 }}</ref> and the film ''Ziyarat''.<ref name=":0" />

== Filmography ==
{{BLP unreferenced section|date= June 2022}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width: 100%;"
|+
!Year
!Song
!Project
!Role
|-
|2022
|Mannum Niranje
|[[Malayankunju (2022 film)|Malayankunju]]
|Santoor player
|-
|2020
|Dilbar Lagyo
|[[Shikara (2020 film)|Shikara]], Bollywood
|Composer
|-
|2020
|Shukrana Gul Khile
|[[Shikara (2020 film)|Shikara]], Bollywood
|Composer
|-
|2018
|Soundtrack
|To my Brother, Short film
|Composer
|-
|2011
|Sana Kim Lole
|Ziyarat, film
|Co-composer
|-
|2011
|Manzil Manzil
|Ziyarat, film
|Co-composer, Singer
|-
|2011
|Sapne Ke Meet
|Ziyarat, film
|Co-composer
|-
|2011
|Soundtrack
|Kab Tak, Short film on child labor
|Composer
|-
|2007
|Soundtrack
|Mahatma, Documentary film
|Composer
|-
|2001
|Khaus Rauz Sunderi
|[[Bub (film)|Bub]], Kashmiri feature film
|Singer, Assistant Music Director
|}

== Television ==
{{BLP unreferenced section|date= June 2022}}

* Sailaab (Flood) - ''Composer, Singer, [[Doordarshan]]''
* Guldasta (Flower Bouquet) - ''Composer, [[Doordarshan]]''
* [[Tabla]] ka Itihas (History of Table instrument) - ''Composer, Radio''
* Roshni (Light) - ''Composer, [[Doordarshan]]''
* Do Sheheron Ki Kahani (Tale of Two Cities) - ''Composer, [[Doordarshan]]''
* Bazm-E-Chiraghan - Singer, Composer, ''[[Doordarshan]]'' (Urdu)
*[[Aaj Tak]] news channel title music, Santoor music

== Compositions ==
{{BLP unreferenced section|date= June 2022}}

=== Albums ===

* Vishuddha 1, SaMaPa, ''Classical Santoor''
*Vishuddha 2, SaMaPa, ''Classical Santoor''
*Triveni, SaMaPa, ''Santoor'' ''Fusion''
*Sopori Legacy, SaMaPa, ''Classical Santoor''
*Dancing Dewdrops, [[Virgin EMI Records]], ''Santoor'' ''Fusion (Classical)''
*The Urban Grooves – Kashmir, [[Virgin EMI Records]], ''Santoor Fusion (Kashmiri)''
*Tum Jo Mile, [[Virgin EMI Records]], ''Santoor Fusion''
*Voyage au coeur de l'Inde, [[Virgin EMI Records]], ''Santoor Fusion''
*Spirit of Doon, [[Virgin EMI Records]], ''Composer''
*Fragrances of Cabella, SaMaPa, ''Classical Santoor''
*Voice of Strings, Mars Music, ''Classical Santoor''
*New Strings, Mars Music, ''Classical Santoor''
*Santoor Vadan, NITL India, ''Classical Santoor''
*Shehjaar, Saregama& SaMaPa, ''Composer''
*Aalav, [[Saregama]] & SaMaPa, ''Co-composer''
* Runjhun, [[Saregama]] & SaMaPa, ''Co-composer''
* Kabir Bani, SaMaPa, ''Composer & Singer''
* Meera Bhajans, SaMaPa, ''Composer & Singer''
* Ma Haro Meri Peer, SaMaPa, ''Co-composer''
* Ajab Nain Tere, SaMaPa, ''Co-composer''
*Anwari Muhammadi<sup>SAW</sup>, SaMaPa, ''Composer''
* Jai Baba Barfani (Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board), ''Co-composer & Singer''
* Amarnath Yatra, [[Times Music]], ''Co-composer & Singer''

=== Singles ===

* Vaishno Janto Folk Instrumental version, [[Doordarshan]], Govt. of India, ''Co-composer''
* Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat, [[All India Radio]], ''Co-composer & Singer''
* Challa, [[T-Series (company)]], ''Composer''
* Aao Kadam Badhayain (SaMaPa), ''Composer''
* Dua (SaMaPa), ''Composer & Singer''
* [[Wohi Khuda Hai]] (SaMaPa), ''Composer''
* Nai Subha - Kashmiri (SaMaPa), ''Composer & Singer''
* Nai Subha - Dogri (SaMaPa), ''Composer & Singer''
* Hazrat-e-Nabi<sup>SAW</sup> (SaMaPa), ''Composer''
*Jannat-e-Kashmir (SaMaPa), ''Co-composer &'' ''Singer''

== Awards and accolades ==

* '''2020''': ''Mahatma Gandhi Seva Medal'' - Gandhi Global Peace Award by United Nations accredited Gandhi Global Family - [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]<ref name=":6" />
* '''2019''': ''Top Grade Artist'' by All India Radio, Govt. of India - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airddfamily.blogspot.com/2020/01/abhay-sopori-awarded-top-grade-by-air.html|title=Top Grade Artist|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=21 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121205940/http://airddfamily.blogspot.com/2020/01/abhay-sopori-awarded-top-grade-by-air.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''2018''': ''Raag Ranjani Sangeet Bhushan Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":5" />
* '''2018''': ''Pt. Man Mohan Bhatt Award'' - [[Rajasthan]]
* '''2017''': ''Atal Shikhar Samman'' - Presented at the Parliament of India - [[Delhi]]
* '''2017''': ''Dr. S. Radhakrishnan National Media Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":5" />
* '''2016''': ''State Icon'' - title by Election Commission of India - [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]
* '''2016''': ''Pride of Paradise Award -'' [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/business/finance-minister-unveils-jk-bank-calendar-2017/|title=Pride of Paradise Award|website=GreatKashmir.com|date=January 2017 }}</ref>
* '''2015''': ''Pride of India Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/BIH-PAT-HMU-MAT-latest-patna-news-030003-1074310-NOR.html|title=Abhay Rustum Sopori Ne Bandha Sama|website=DainikBhaskar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/pride-of-india-awards-to-bhajan-sopori-abhay-sopori/|title=Pride of India Award|website=DailyExcelsior.com|date=14 November 2015 }}</ref>
* '''2015''': ''Sangeet Gaurav Samman'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":10" />
* '''2014''': ''Madras Music Academy Award'' - [[Chennai]]
* '''2014''': ''Sangeet Mani Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/node/32331|title=Sangeet Mani Award|website=Radiomusic.com}}</ref>
* '''2013''': ''Indian Fine Arts Society Award'' - [[Kingdom of Bahrain]]
* '''2013''': ''Sabzaar Award of Excellence'' - [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]
* '''2012''': ''Kashmir Kirti Samman'' - [[Pune]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/gandhis-ideology-of-non-violence-communal-harmony-is-much-needed-today-dgp/1721755|title=Gandhi's ideology of non-violence & communal harmony|website=Outlook India}}</ref>
* '''2011''': ''J&K Civil Award'' - Highest Civilian Award of Jammu & Kashmir by J&K Govt. ''- [[Srinagar]]''<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/another-honour-for-abhay-sopori/769340|title=Honour for Abhay Sopori|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
* '''2011''': ''Kashmir Educational, Cultural & Social Society (KECSS) Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.earlytimesnews.com/newsdet.aspx?q=67783|title=Abhay receives KECSS award|website=EarlyTimesNews.com}}</ref>
* '''2010''': ''Glory of India Award'' - [[United Kingdom]]<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/all-the-stringing-sounds-of-success-208818|title=All the Stringing sounds of success|website=MillenniumPost.in|date=August 2014 }}</ref>
* '''2010''': ''Best Citizens of India Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":5" />
* '''2010''': ''Raag Ranjani Sangeet Shree Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/abhay-rustum-sopori-awarded-prestigious-jk-state-award|title=2004-2010 Awards|website=RadioMusic.com}}</ref>
* '''2010''': ''Bharat Shiromani Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/events/delhi/Abhay-Rustum-Sopori/articleshow/5100567.cms|title=Bharat Shiromani Award|website=Indiatimes.com}}</ref>
* '''2009''': ''Ma Sharika Samman'' - [[Haryana]]<ref name=":12" />
* '''2008''': ''National Dogri Award'' - [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]<ref name=":12" />
* '''2007''': ''Pt. Gama Maharaj Sangeet Bhushan Samman'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":12" />
* '''2007''': ''Excellence Award'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":12" />
* '''2006''': ''Sangeet Natak Akademi’s first 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar'' - [[Delhi]]<ref name=":12" />
* '''2006''': ''Young India Award'' - [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]<ref name=":12" />
* '''2005''': ''Juenjo Korean International Heritage Award'' - [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]]<ref name=":12" />
* '''2004''': ''Kalawant Samman'' - [[Mumbai]]<ref name=":12" />

== Philanthropic contributions ==
Sopori started working with the State Government of Jammu and Kashmir to expand and accomplish his grandfather's dream and after several years of hard work and dedication, he was able to introduce music as a formal subject in the educational setup of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative also called ''The Music Initiative of Abhay Rustum Sopori'' has been a major step in the educational system of the state (now union territory) creating new streams in colleges and universities and, offering new job opportunities for the youth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenorthlines.com/academic-structure-for-music-initiative-reviewed/|title=The Music Initiative|website=The Northlines|date=17 April 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://risingkashmir.in/news/music-to-be-introduced-as-full-time-graduation-course-matoo-323897.html|title=Introduction of Music as a Graduation Course|website=Rising Kashmir}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thekashmirimages.com/2018/04/18/prof-mattoo-reviews-academic-structure-for-music-initiative/|title=Review of The Music Initiative Academic Structure|website=The Kashmir Images|date=18 April 2018 }}</ref>

Sopori is a strong believer of peace and humanity and has been promoting the same ideology also preached by Mahatma Gandhi through music. He has introduced the concept of 'Common Song' aimed at providing a musical healing touch in Jammu and Kashmir under the banner of SaMaPa, which include musical hits like 'Aao Kadam Badhayain', 'Mere Jannet-e-Kashmir', 'Zameen', 'Nai Subha', 'Jammu-Ane', 'Wohi Khuda Hai', 'Dua', etc.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/maestro-abhay-sopori-receives-mahatma-gandhi-seva-medal/|title=Mahatma Gandhi Seva Medal|website=Daily Excelsior|date=31 January 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/musical-healing-touch-kashmir-samapa/|title=Musical healing touch for Kashmir by SaMaPa|website=Daily Excelsior|date=5 October 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-a-musical-healing-touch-to-soothe-wounds-of-kashmir-2267811|title=A musical healing touch to soothe wounds of Kashmir|website=DNA India}}</ref>

In 2005 Abhay, along with his father, founded the music academy and organization called SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts), which is acclaimed for its work in Delhi and J&K. Post 2005, the programmes and events have been organized under the banner of SaMaPa. Some of the festivals include SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan (Delhi) which is considered as the topmost music festival of Delhi; SaMaPa Aalap Festival (J&K) which is one of the biggest music festivals witnessed by over 50,000 people.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/soporis-10th-annual-samapa-aalap-festival-from-today/|title=10th annual SaMaPa Aalap festival|website=Daily Excelsior|date=15 February 2016 }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> SaMaPa Aalap Festival is held at a number of venues including border areas, cultural centers, jails, etc. at places like Sopore, [[Baramulla district|Baramulla]], [[Kupwara]], [[Bandipore|Bandipora]], [[Budgam]], [[Anantnag]], [[Ganderbal]], [[Srinagar]], [[Jammu]], Samba, [[Khour Deonian|Khour]], RS Pora, Rajouri, Poonch, Katra, Udampur, Akhnoor, etc. The festival was started in 2006 and over the years has presented thousands of young talents of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jammulinksnews.com/newsdetail/51792/Jammu-Links-News-Div_Com_Kashmir_Reviews_Arrangements_for_Upcoming_Music_Festival_%E2%80%98Aalap%E2%80%99|title=Aalap festival arrangement reviews|website=Jammu Links News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jkalerts.com/jk-events/samapa-alaap-festival-16th-26th-february-2016-jammu/|title=2016 - SaMaPa Alaap Festival|website=JKAlerts.com|date=15 February 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/samapa-aalap-festival-to-begin-from-february-10-in-jammu-114020900499_1.html|title=2014 February Aalap festival|website=Business Standard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://earlytimesnews.com/newsdet.aspx?q=48790|title=2010 SaMaPa Aalap festival}}</ref>

Sopori has held charity concerts for various medical and social causes and also catastrophes like Kashmir earthquake in 2005 (over INR 10 million) & Jammu and Kashmir floods in 2014 (over INR 8 million).<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":3" />

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:ARS Classical Fusion.jpg|Abhay Rustum Sopori presenting his Classical Music Ensemble 2014 in Delhi
File:ARS presenting at J&K.jpg|Abhay Rustum Sopori presenting his J&K Folk Music Ensemble in Pune
File:ARS TEDx.jpg|Abhay Rustum Sopori speaking at TEDx 2012
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sopori, Abhay}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:Santoor players]]
[[Category:Indian male classical musicians]]
[[Category:Kashmiri people]]
[[Category:Kashmiri Pandits]]
[[Category:Kashmiri musicians]]
[[Category:People from Srinagar]]
[[Category:1979 births]]

Abhay Sopori - Revision history

BlissKetoSupplement at 15:32, 19 September 2025