Mateena Rajput, who hails from a small village of Rajpora, in north kashmir’s Handwara had a fondness for acting since her childhood, citing Madhubala as her favorite actress, and expressing her aspiration to work with Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh Khan.
Mateena began her career with a music video alongside Salman Ali, which received overwhelming public response. Following this, she has worked on several songs and appeared in the successful movie “Welcome to Kashmir.” Additionally, she has featured in various other songs and movies.
“My parents have always been supportive; they have never been against my career choice. They have always supported me and praised my work, which has boosted my confidence. I have never faced any opposition from my parents or relatives since entering the industry. My friends have also been supportive and have always appreciated my work,” Mateena said.
In her debut Bollywood movie, “Welcome to Kashmir,” Mateena portrays a courageous young woman dedicated to women’s empowerment and fighting for justice.
“My character in the movie revolves around my passion for visiting every college and school for girls in our nation, inspiring them with my talks, and providing them with safety advice,” Mateena explained.
She firmly believes that women are inherently resilient but often fall prey to societal pressures.
Proud of her Kashmiri heritage, Mateena expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has had to represent Kashmir on various platforms.
In her cinematic endeavors, Mateena embodies a beacon of empowerment, advocating for women’s rights and societal change. Her character in “Welcome to Kashmir” symbolizes resilience and courage, resonating with audiences nationwide. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Mateena remains deeply connected to her Kashmiri heritage, leveraging her platform to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of her homeland.
In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the representation of Kashmiri talent within the entertainment industry, particularly in Bollywood. This trend has brought immense joy and pride to the people of the Kashmir valley. One male artist highlighted that over the past three years, Kashmiri individuals have been increasingly presented with opportunities in the industry, marking a significant shift from previous years.
Additionally, the increasing inclination of producers to prioritize Kashmiri individuals for roles in their movies is seen as a positive development. This trend not only enhances the representation of Kashmiri culture and narratives but also provides promising opportunities for local artists to showcase their skills and stories to wider audiences.
Furthermore, the implementation of favorable film policies in the Kashmir valley has attracted a significant influx of Bollywood producers to the region.
This influx is seen as a beacon of hope for artisans in Kashmir, as it opens up avenues for collaboration, exposure, and growth within the entertainment industry. The interaction between local artisans and industry professionals promises to foster a vibrant creative ecosystem and further bolster the representation of Kashmiri talent in Bollywood and beyond.
