Owais Gul
Srinagar, Nov 15: Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani on Friday said that Kashmir is the best and suitable place for filmmaking and that the government will take every possible step to do the handholding of the filmmakers.
Talking to the reporters here, Wani said that Kashmir being a paradise on the earth, is a favorite destination for filmmakers.
He said that the movies are being shot in Kashmir for a long time, though it was stopped due to the situation, but it was again started during Dr Farooq Abdullah’s tenure in 1996 and Omar Abdullah’s government in 2008.
Wani said that the government is making efforts to encourage the filmmakers towards Kashmir again, which would help to portray J&K and also support it economically. “We expect that the movies will be shot here again. We want more and more people to come here for shooting as J&K is the best place for it. A single window will be created again and the government will do everything possible wherever the handholding is needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, history unfolded in Srinagar as Kaya Palat, a gripping tale of love, struggle, and revenge, premiered in Kashmir, marking a significant cinematic milestone.
Held at INOX Srinagar, the event was no ordinary screening—it was a vibrant celebration of Kashmir’s re-emergence on the cinematic map, a statement issued reads.
For decades, political unrest kept Kashmir’s theatres silent. But this premiere marked a turning point, as the Kaya Palat team proudly showcased their film in a region now reopening to Bollywood and global cinema.
Adding to the significance, the film is being distributed by Kashmiri filmmaker Hussein Khan, whose vision of amplifying local stories to a global platform reflects his mission to establish a full-fledged film industry in Kashmir.
“Kashmir stories have the power to break the barriers worldwide. Through cinema, we can showcase our resilience, beauty, and culture, paving the way for a thriving local film industry,” said Hussein Khan.
“We wanted this screening to be more than a premiere—we wanted it to symbolize hope, unity, and the return of storytelling to this breathtaking valley,” said Tariq khan Rahhat Shah Kazmi, acclaimed filmmaker and lead actor of the film.
The premiere, graced by Chief Guest Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of J&K, and Guest of Honor, MLA Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi, brought together celebrated artists, filmmakers, and Kashmiri cultural icons. Popular TV actress Helly Shah added glamour, while internationally acclaimed filmmakers and actors Rahhat Shah Kazmi and Tariq Khan underscored the evening’s artistic significance. Director Shoib Nikash Shah, along with central characters Mir Sarwar, Swaroopa Ghosh, Rajeev Rana, and Azmat Khawaja, joined hands with Kashmiri filmmakers and media personalities on the red carpet.
“This isn’t just about showcasing a film; it’s about reviving a cinematic spirit that connects Kashmir with the world. We are proud to be part of this journey,” said Tariq Khan, producer and lead actor of Kaya Palat.
Tariq Khan and Mir Sarwar, who stars in the film, described the event as deeply personal: “It’s a dream come true to bring Kaya Palat to life in Kashmir. This film isn’t just a story; it’s a voice for the region and its resilience. Sharing this moment here, with my people, is truly unforgettable.”
