Movies News | Updated Dec 13, 2007 at 12:26pm IST

Bollywood slowly renewing its J&K ties

Shamim MerajShamim Meraj, CNN-IBN

Pahalgam: Film-maker Santosh Sivan is currently busy shooting his latest film in the Kashmir valley.

The film, Daastan, is almost entirely shot in Kahsmir and features Rahul Bose and Kashmir-born actor Anupam Kher, who has returned to the valley after 21 years.

The veteran actor was deeply nostalgic.

“There is no place on earth like Kashmir,” he said, quietly. “You cannot get this beauty any where else in the world.

Speaking about Daastan, Kher said, “It’s a film which will change the perception of Kashmir at the international level."

Co-staring Akshaye Khanna and Sarika, along with Rahul Bose, the film’s entire unit has been shooting in Pahalgam for over a month now without fearing any threat from militants.

Rahul Bose, for one, vouches that the valley will be back on top of every film-maker's map soon.

"Here is my prediction: It’s not gonna be just Bollywood, its gonna be international after this film that's being shot,” he promises. “I can guarantee you, this will be one of the places on every single great international films with real scope!”

That is precisely what the state tourism industry is hoping for. J&K’s tourism department is helping provide the best of facilities for the film units including free access to locations to invite more business from film-makers.

Says Sarmad Hafeez,."Kashmir provides the perfect location for film shooting. It’s not just the most beautiful but also the most affordable shooting destination. This is the only place in the country where we are not charging any location fee."

Kashmir has had many old ties with Bollywood and it seems that they just might be renewed.

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