Noted broadcaster Manohar Prothi passes away

Noted broadcaster (प्रसारक) Manohar Prothi passes away

Well-known broadcaster and a celebrated voice of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Manohar Prothi passed away in Jammu Thursday. He was 81. Born in north Kashmir's Uri, Prothi studied at DAV School and SP College. He was involved in art and cultural activities, especially theatre, from his college days. He joined radio as a child artist and became popular among listeners which fetched him a job in All India Radio. 

He was admired (प्रशंसा की) as golden voice of Radio Kashmir for his unique style of speaking and having great hold on modulation. 

Manohar Prothi presented radio program for soldiers for at least four decades(दशकों). He gained popularity as ‘Bhai Jaan’ of children’s program and ‘Aziz Bhai’ in ‘Wadhi ki Aawaz’ program which made him a celebrity here and across the border in Pakistan as well. Manohar was equally enthusiastic in theater and played many memorable roles like that of Yousuf Shah Chak in a play written by Farooq Nazki. He played the role of the hero in other plays like ‘Khazan ke Phool’, “Kabhi Nahin’, ‘Jeb Katr’, ‘Lala Rukh”, Talaash” – the list is too long to even remember.  Veteran broadcaster Farooq Nazki termed him a great broadcaster of his generation and said during his time Radio Kashmir received highest number of letters and postcards from across the border.

"Manohar was among the most famous broadcasters of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, who specialised(विशेष) in the field of drama, interviews and as anchor for discussions as well as a commentator of live programs in outdoor broadcasts relayed directly from the spot,” he said.

“He has been one of the very few creative artists who are as competent at script writing as broadcasting," Nazki added.

Prothi’s last rites, according to his son Rajesh Prothi, will be held in Jammu on Friday.