About the Speaker

Alif is the creative vision of poet, singer-songwriter, and composer Mohammed Muneem Nazir from Srinagar, Kashmir. Rooted in the region’s cultural and emotional depth, his music explores identity, vulnerability, and hope—seamlessly blending genres and languages.

Alif has received critical acclaim, winning the IRAA Award (Like a Sufi), Dada Saheb Phalke Award (Lalnawath), and IIMA Award (Ride Home with Noor Mohammad).

His discography spans from Yuur Walo (2017) to I Am Jaadugar (2024), with standout works like Siyah, Azizo, Kya Karie Korimol, and Behad Bohat. Alif has featured on Coke Studio Bharat, composed and acted in Made in Heaven S2, and contributed to films like Laila Majnu, Torbaaz, and theatrical works such as I Am Jaadugar.

Since 2014, Muneem has also been teaching songwriting and poetry at Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune. A multifaceted artist, he directs, conceptualizes, and acts in his own music videos, using his art to carve out safe, expressive spaces. and continues to perform both solo (Faqat) and with his band (Charsu).

Alif, released a powerful single, "Sher Dil" on World Mental Health Day 2024. The song delves into the emotional struggles men face due to societal expectations and the stigma surrounding mental health.

Abstract

As part of the YIF course Foundations of Global Mental Health: Decreasing Suffering and Increasing Thriving in the World, this special session features acclaimed artist Alif, whose evocative work Sher Dil brings attention to the often-overlooked crisis of male suicide in India. The event aims to explore the unspoken emotional burdens men carry, and the healing power of community, creativity, and purpose that Alif powerfully depicts through Sher Dil.

Following the screening, Alif will join us for a moderated panel and open dialogue, offering a unique artistic and personal lens on the intersections of masculinity, vulnerability, and mental health.

We hope to see you all there!