Srinagar, Jan 24: According to a press statement, Bollywood music composer and singer Salim Merchant of the composer duo Salim-Sulaiman, who was in the valley recently to shoot a music video, on Sunday said that Kashmiris are full of talent. “They are packed with talent on every front but what they need is the right platform and guidance,” Salim said.

Salim said that he has given a chance to young talented Kashmiris in his music video for his song. “Some are acting on screen, some have organized our shoot and others are handling the production and post-production work,” he said.  

He said that he wishes to hold a music concert in the valley. “Though we have performed across the world, Kashmir is the only place left where I haven’t performed yet. It is my wish to hold a music concert here.”

He said that it was wonderful to shoot in the amazing locations of the valley. “I always wanted to visit Kashmir and it is the first that I am visiting here. It is truly heaven on earth. Its food, people and hospitality, all are mind blowing. I am in love with the place,” Salim, who is known for producing music for films like Chak De India, Fashion, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Band Baaja Baarat, and others, said.

Salim also termed Kashmir as the perfect location for the film shootings. “I believe that wherever you set the camera, it makes a perfect view itself. I think more film units need to visit here and shoot so as to give a boost to the local tourism and the people involved in film shootings,” he added.   

Salim also relished Kashmiri Wazwan, Harrisa, Kehwa and Noon Chai. The unit shot at locations like Pahalgam and Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Salman Ali, singer and the winner of the 10th season of Indian Idol who is being featured in the lead role in the music video, said that he too wanted to perform in Kashmir. “This place is so pure that I can do the concert for the free of cost music concert here,” he said.

The song also features Mateena Rajput, a young Kashmiri actress opposite Salman Ali. The song has been named as Tumhe Dekh Ke, and has been directed by Tassaduq Hussain, a Kashmiri filmmaker. 

Hussain said that it was a wonderful experience of shooting with Salim and Salman. “The shoot was not possible without my local team. They all played a pivotal role during the shoot,” he said. (KNS)