Iconic film location in Thajwas lies in ruins

Ganderbal, May 5: An iconic tourist structure near the Thajwas area of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district remains in ruins years after its destruction, with stakeholders urging authorities to reconstruct the historic “Mandakini Hut.”
Built nearly five decades ago by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), the hut, originally known as Alpine Hut, was located around three kilometers from the health resort of Sonamarg, surrounded by mountains, green meadows, and a flowing stream.
The structure comprised two rooms, a kitchen, and a washroom, and was among the earliest accommodation facilities in the area at a time when Sonamarg lacked basic tourist infrastructure.
The hut later gained prominence after the filming of the Bollywood movie Ram Teri Ganga Maili by Raj Kapoor in 1983, starring Rajiv Kapoor and Mandakini. Following the film’s release in 1985, the structure became widely known as the “Mandakini Hut,” drawing tourists and cinema enthusiasts to the location.
The region had earlier attracted film personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, and Rajesh Khanna, who were part of various film shoots in the scenic landscapes of Sonamarg.
Over the years, other films such as LOC Kargil, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Silsila were also shot in the broader Thajwas area, further enhancing its visibility as a filming destination.
However, the hut was destroyed in 2008 due to an avalanche and strong winds. Since then, no reconstruction has been undertaken by the tourism authorities or JKTDC.
Despite the absence of the structure, tourists continue to visit the site and take photographs, recalling its cinematic and historical significance.
People associated with the tourism sector have called on authorities to rebuild the hut in its original design, stating that restoring the landmark could enhance both the heritage value and tourist appeal of the area. [KNT]