Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Jan 6: Braving the sub-zero temperature, a south Indian film crew has started shooting for their film around the picturesque Wular lake, Asia’s second largest freshwater lake, located in the Bandipora district of Kashmir.
This will be the first movie to be shot in the lake after the new film policy was implemented in Kashmir.
The film which is being directed by Aditya Suhas is based in Kashmir whose principal photography will be done in Baramulla and some of the scenes will be shot here in Zurimanz, a village on the brim of Wular lake.
Aditya, said, “This lake is so beautiful. I am in awe of the beauty and calmness of this lake. I feel honored to shoot some parts of this movie here. I believe it is the first time that a south Indian film is being shot in Wular. I would really love to see more filmmakers explore this place.”
While thanking the locals, Aditya said, “The locals have been so helpful. It would have been a bit difficult for us to work in this freezing temperature but we were made comfortable by them. They have accommodated our small crew in their hearts, and are so enthusiastic about the shooting. It is so heartwarming to see their excitement.”
Locals of Zurimanz and Bangladesh are delighted by this new development in their area and are hopeful that it will put their otherwise discreet area in the spotlight.
“I am so thankful for this crew to come here. I expect that other filmmakers will follow suit and shoot their films here. This will provide our local unemployed youth with an opportunity to earn their livelihood,” Ashfaq Ahmad Bhat, a local resident said. With the film being shot in the area, locals are also hopeful that this will help in pushing the development projects in the area.
“If this area is developed to its full potential, then it will automatically attract filmmakers and tourists. There should be better roads built connecting this area to the main town. I hope that the administration takes cognizance of this and help this lake get international fame,” Aashiq Bhat, another local said.
