Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Thursday said the maiden film policy being unveiled by the UT admin was a historic step and the main aim is to bring back the lost glory of Bollywood for which Kashmir was once famous.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at SKICC here LG Manoj Sinha said, “I am sure that the golden days will return again for which Kashmir was once known for. The UT admin is doing its best to revive the Bollywood and film policy is a step towards that.”
“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 & 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 other locations in Europe or America, we are committed to providing the same at the locations in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor noted that the presence of the likes of world-renowned names of the Film Industry on this occasion would provide a big boost to the new initiative of the government to promote the film-making sector in the UT.
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.
Recalling the era of 60s and 70s, the Lt Governor noted that there was a time when J&K and Hindi Film Industry were complementary to each other.
Speaking on the new era of development being witnessed by the UT, the Lt Governor said that the Jammu and Kashmir is progressing rapidly. We are also completing decades-old projects now on priority basis. In the last one year despite Covid pandemic, we have created a new record by completing 16,000 projects under District Capex budget and 9514 projects in UT sector budget.
Speaking on the occasion, famous film actor Amir Khan said that he hasn’t seen any other place as beautiful as Kashmir. “People are more beautiful than this beautiful place,” he said. “I am glad that we are here for shooting.”
Khan hoped that one day he would like to see Kashmiri movies and Kashmir’s own film industry. “I would like to see Kashmiri film industry contribute to the national industry like other states are doing. I hope to see Kashmiri films soon.”
