Kashmir has completely changed from 90s: Filmmakers

Gulmarg, Sep 9: As the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) moved to its Gulmarg leg on Wednesday, members of the Bollywood fraternity praised Kashmir’s unmatched beauty, local talent and the changes they have witnessed in the Valley over the years.
Speaking to reporters here, Bollywood producers, actors and filmmakers, recalled their earlier experiences of working in Kashmir, particularly during the 1990s, and said the situation has changed considerably.
Referring to the shooting of the film ‘Pukar’ in Kashmir, the filmmakers said the atmosphere they witnessed during their earlier visits was very different from what they see today.
“It has completely changed from the 90s,” they said, recalling the challenges associated with shooting in Kashmir during that period.
Actor and filmmaker Tinu Verma praised Kashmir’s natural beauty and said its unique character and atmosphere could not be found elsewhere.
“The beauty of Kashmir is different and unmatched. The aura, the beauty, the character, nowhere could be found except Kashmir. I have been to countries worldwide, but Kashmir is unmatched,” Verma said.
The Bollywood fraternity also described Gulmarg as the “crown of Kashmir” and Kashmir as the “crown of the country”.
The filmmakers said Kashmir has immense talent and called for greater opportunities for local artists and professionals in the film industry.
“Kashmir is full of talent. We want Kashmir to be on another level, which they haven’t achieved yet,” they said.
They also praised the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government for the changes they have witnessed in the Valley. They specifically acknowledged the role of former chief minister Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Bollywood representatives said the improving environment could help attract more film productions to Kashmir and provide local talent with greater opportunities. (KNO)