Jammu Kashmir’s new film policy unveiled by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in presence of Bollywood star Aamir Khan and filmmaker Raj Kumar Hirani is likely to rejuvenate the bonding between Bollywood and Kashmir.
Kashmir used to be the favourite destination of filmmakers before violence engulfed the region in the beginning of the 1990s. Who can forget films like Kashmir ki Kali, Junglee, Roti, Bobby? A hut in Gulmarg is still known as Bobby hut after the film turned a rage in the 1970s.
Renowned filmmakers and film personalities like Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Dilip Kumar in the 1960s, and later, big names like Yash Chopra, Rahul Rawail, Mani Ratnam had their deep association with Jammu and Kashmir. If all goes well, the world will once again get to see and experience the same scenario after decades
Terming the day “historic” for J&K, the Lt Governor observed that the UT Government is creating a vibrant film ecosystem to bring back the golden era of filmmaking in J&K, and transform the UT into the most preferred film destination.
Among one of the best in the country, the new film policy will transform Jammu & Kashmir and revive its halcyon days of being a cinematographer’s delight, he added.
“I invite filmmakers from across the world to come to J&K and explore the pristine beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time, also avail a host of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, besides world-class facilities offered by the J&K Government,” said the Lt Governor.
The government has set up single-window clearance mechanism; prepared equipment, location and talent directories, besides offering a host of incentives for filmmakers coming to the UT. The new policy also aims at maximizing the potential of promising local talent & creating livelihood opportunities for many, he further added.
The film policy has been drafted after consultations with the experts and in-depth study of progressive film policies of other states/UTs and aboard. Suggestions of renowned names of the Indian film industry have also been incorporated while formulating the policy. The facility, which one gets at locations in Europe or America, we are committed to providing the same at the locations in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lt Governor said.
The new film policy will also give a fillip to the film tourism sector, thus opening up more employment avenues for the locals, added the Lt Governor. As far as security is concerned, 10 lakh 52 thousand tourists coming in July alone itself shows that there is no concern from the security point of view, said the Lt Governor.
Pertinently, J&K Film Policy-2021 has been worked out to facilitate the overall growth of J&K Film Industry; setting up of Jammu & Kashmir Film Development Council; providing hands on access to Website for Talent Pool and all shooting destinations; development of shooting locales, infrastructure for film screening; revival of closed cinema halls; upgradation of existing cinema halls; encouraging setting up of multiplexes and cinema halls; destination marketing for J&K; organizing J&K Film festival; restoration and preservation of J&K Films and many more.
The Government has decided to install illuminating signages dedicated to the directors, film actors and crew members at the locations where memorable films have been shot. The installed signage boards will also have some interesting information related to the film for the attraction for the tourists, he added.