By : Farooq Mirza – NY
In the heart of New York City’s vibrant Pakistani-American community, particularly in areas like Coney Island and Queens, one name stands out as a symbol of Pakistani culture and Punjabi heritage: “Boota Sher” , the legendary Dhol Player ( drum Player) who has kept the rhythms of Pakistan alive for over four decades and build Pakistan’s image in USA .
Boota Sher, a professional dhol master originally from Pakistan, has become an inseparable part of every major Pakistani event in the United States. Whether it’s weddings, engagements, nikkah ceremonies, community gatherings, or national celebrations such as “Pakistan Day” (March 23) parades and “Independence Day”(August 14) festivities, his thunderous dhol beats bring the streets to life.
Dressed in traditional Punjabi attire—vibrant red and green lahnga, kurta, lungi, and a turban (pagri) with his dhol slung around his neck, Boota Sher’s energetic performances evoke the spirit of Punjab’s folk melas (fairs). Young men and women dance enthusiastically to his rhythmic thumps, filling the air with the sounds of traditional Punjabi tunes that instantly transport listeners back to the villages and celebrations of Punjab.
His presence is especially striking in diverse American settings. Local residents, including non-Pakistanis and people of other ethnicities, are often captivated by his towering figure, colorful outfit, and infectious energy. Many stop to take selfies, applaud, or even hug him in admiration, turning his performances into moments of cultural exchange and pride.
For more than 40 years, Boota Sher has tirelessly preserved Pakistani traditions in the diaspora. He plays not just for entertainment but to keep the essence of Punjab—its lively dances, folk songs, and communal joy—intact for new generations born in America.
Recently, Boota Sher returned from a successful visit to Pakistan, where he met various personalities and gathered special traditional outfits and dhol instruments. He is now fully prepared for the upcoming “Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23”, where he will once again lead the festivities on Coney Island’s iconic avenues. Expect colorful crowds of energetic youth dancing to his beats, with the streets echoing the pride of Pakistan.
Boota Sher is more than a musician ,he is a walking representation of Pakistan itself. No Pakistani-American event feels complete without him. Community leaders, local senators, congress members, mayors, police officials, and Muslim organizations frequently invite him to welcome dignitaries with his signature dhol welcome, making guests feel honored and connected to their roots.
The Pakistani-American community in New York holds immense love and respect for Boota Sher. As one community member puts it: “He is not just Boota Sher; he is Pakistan on the move—keeping our culture beating strong in the Big Apple.”
As Pakistan Day approaches, residents and visitors are encouraged to join the celebrations in Coney Island to witness this cultural icon in action, raising the flag of Pakistan high through the timeless power of the dhol.
