J&K, Bollywood share mutual relationship: Dr Jitendra

Srinagar, Sep 7: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said Jammu and Kashmir and Bollywood share a “mutual relationship”, with the Valley having contributed significantly to the Hindi film industry over the decades.
‎Speaking on sidelines of ongoing international Film festival at SKICC, Singh said the revival of cinema in Jammu and Kashmir was a significant opportunity, particularly for the region’s youth and local artists.
‎Thanking Modi and the government for organising the event, Singh said cinema had once been a popular part of life in Jammu and Kashmir, before theatres were gradually shut down.
“We witnessed a time when cinemas were shut down one by one. A long period of 20-25 years passed when we were deprived of cinema,” he said.
‎‎Singh said the return of cinema presented an “opportunity for the youth” and could also provide a platform for local artists.
‎Recalling Kashmir’s association with Bollywood, he referred to films such as Kabhi Kabhie and Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, saying local people had also been involved in film productions.
‎He recalled how students from Srinagar’s Government College for Women were brought in as part of the audience for a scene in Kabhi Kabhie, in which Amitabh Bachchan performed a song.
‎Similarly, he said, local people were employed when Jai Jai Shiv Shankar was shot in Kashmir.
‎Singh said Kashmir had produced and nurtured several prominent figures associated with Indian cinema, including actors Raj Kumar, Jeevan and Om Prakash.
‎He also mentioned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and recalled the contribution of writer Rajendra Singh Bedi, who, he said, had been associated with Jammu Radio Station before writing dialogues for films including Devdas.
“Kashmir has given great talent to Bollywood. That is why I said that there is a mutual relationship. Kashmir has enriched Bollywood and Bollywood has in turn enriched Kashmir,” Singh said. (KNS)