Signs of normalcy, film shooting back in Kashmir valley

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 29

Even as life is gradually limping back to normal amid the Covid threat, a Punjabi song was shot in the Valley that was once considered the second home of Bollywood.

Impressed with the locales, the crew urged the Bollywood and Punjabi film industry to renew their Kashmir connection.

“This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life and I would love to visit the Valley for shootings in future as well. Kashmir is the perfect place for film shootings and I want that more Bollywood and Punjabi film units should come here,” said Bollywood actor Yuvika Chaudhary, who shot for a song here during the last three days.

Stating that she was impressed by the hospitality of Kashmiri people, Chaudhary said: “People are so calm and warm-hearted. I always wanted things to go well in Kashmir and everyone lives with peace.”

Before the start of militancy more than 30 years ago, Bollywood shootings in the Valley used to be a norm and the government in the past had made several attempts to woo back film crews. The authorities had expressed the hope that the tourism sector too would get a boost through film shootings.

Punjabi actor-singer Yuvraj Hans, who was also here for the shoot, said: “Now, our focus is to showcase Kashmir in the Punjabi film industry.

Shah Faisal Khan of the Roaring Lions Production, the line producer of the song in Kashmir, said they were making best efforts to bring films and songs to the Kashmir valley.

“Once film crews come, they will definitely boost tourism and generate employment for locals,” Shah Faisal Khan said.