Srinagar, Nov 15: Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani on Friday said that the government will facilitate film-making in Jammu and Kashmir to revive the film industry in the region.
Speaking to reporters, Nasir said that Kashmir has long been a popular destination for filmmakers. “Kashmir has always been a favourite place for film makers. Since the early days of the film industry, films have been made here,” he said.
He reminisced about efforts to revive the industry during past governments. “When Farooq Abdullah’s government returned in 1996, we made efforts to revive Broadway cinema. Later, under Omar Abdullah’s leadership in 2008, we worked to encourage film-making again,” he added.
Wani said that there are dual benefits of promoting films in the region. “First, it helps showcase the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, and second, it boosts the local economy by involving many people in the film industry,” he said.
He also mentioned how several blockbuster films, featuring stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, were shot in the region.
Encouraging regional filmmakers, Nasir expressed hope for more local talent to emerge.
To further support film-making, the government plans to re-establish a single-window system for filmmakers, with the tourism department acting as the nodal agency. “We want filmmakers to face no obstacles. We will ensure that everything runs smoothly,” Nasir said.
“We will sit with filmmakers to understand where they need our support and hand-holding. We are committed to help them,” Wani said, hinting at future plans to support regional cinema.
