Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar said on Thursday that Kashmir was an ideal location for film shooting and urged the tourism department of J&K to explore offbeat and lesser-known spots.
Speaking at the J&K Film Conclave at the International Convention Centre by Dal Lake, Bhandarkar expressed his admiration for the region. “I have been coming to Kashmir frequently for the past 17 years.
“Sometimes, I visit this place twice a year. I have many friends here. The food and locations are amazing. The policies introduced by the J&K Administration to promote film shooting are appreciable," he said.
Bhandarkar praised the new initiatives, especially "the single window” system introduced by the J&K administration.
“At the end of the day, we need ease in shooting, and the step taken by the J&K administration led by LG Manoj Sinha deserves applause,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also addressed the conclave, emphasising the administration's efforts to make J&K a global film destination.
“In the last five years, we have succeeded in reviving the cinema culture in J&K. We rolled out a film policy in 2021, but there were some gaps and loopholes,” Sinha said.
Announcing the launch of the New Film Policy 2024, “where all previous gaps have been filled,” he said it included a single window cell that will make film shooting easier for directors and producers interested in shooting in J&K.
“Efforts are afoot to provide a compact film ecosystem for film shooting lovers, directors, and producers,” LG Sinha added.
Bhandarkar noted the benefits of film shooting for local populations and the growing influence of the South Indian film industry.
“Today, the film industry is not just confined to Mumbai; the South Indian film industry is also making its mark in a big way,” he said.
The event aimed to send a strong message to the film industry across India, encouraging more directors and producers to consider Kashmir for their projects.
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