Srinagar, Sep 08: Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi on Tuesday batted for the promotion of regional cinema, saying local stories have the potential to reach a global audience and that Kashmir has immense scope for filmmakers from the region.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, Tripathi said the growth of cinema in Kashmir would depend not only on shooting films in the region but also on encouraging local filmmakers to tell their own stories.
“Regional cinema is important. The local is global. I am sure regional cinema will be made here, and infrastructure will also grow,” he said.
Tripathi said that although several films are being shot in Kashmir, stories told by Kashmiri filmmakers would bring a different perspective to the screen.
“A lot of films are being shot here, but if a Kashmiri filmmaker makes a film with their own story, that would look amazing. Regional cinema has a great scope, and I am sure local youth will take it forward,” he said.
He described the ongoing film festival as an important beginning that could help establish stronger connections between filmmakers from Kashmir and the rest of the country and the world.
“This festival is the opening to go a long way and build connections. People will come and go, and relations will be built. They will come here and experience Kashmiriyat and the culture. This festival is the opening, and more filmmakers will come here later,” Tripathi said.
Referring to his friend and Gullak writer Durgesh Singh, who is currently in Kashmir, the actor said filmmakers were already exploring stories rooted in the region.
“He has made films and web series based on local stories set in Kashmir. Though he is from Mumbai, he has set a story in Kashmir. So it is clear that people are making films on stories from here,” he said.
Tripathi also spoke warmly about his experience in Kashmir, particularly the local cuisine and hospitality.
“We enjoyed Kashmiri wazwan. We loved it. We met a few local people also, and I felt great hospitality. We would come again and want our films to be screened in Kashmir,” he said.
He said film festivals also provide an important learning opportunity for students and aspiring filmmakers, allowing them to interact with experienced professionals and learn from their experiences.
The actor expressed his willingness to shoot in Kashmir whenever he gets an opportunity. “I would love to shoot in Kashmir whenever I get a chance. It is a beautiful part of India. If the government supports us, we would love to tell stories from Kashmir,” Tripathi said.
