Srinagar, Sep 7: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Monday said the revival of cinema and the hosting of an international film festival in Jammu and Kashmir sends a strong message of improving normalcy and renewed opportunities for the region’s youth and artists.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar, Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting and hosting the programme, saying that the organisation of such an event in Kashmir itself reflected the changing situation in the region.
“The situation is getting better and we are able to hold such a programme here,” Singh said, while also thanking the Jammu and Kashmir Government, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his team for their support.
He described the film festival as a “great message” for India and the world, stressing that Jammu and Kashmir has historically shared a deep and mutually beneficial relationship with the Indian film industry.
Singh recalled the period when Kashmir was one of the most preferred destinations for filmmakers and Bollywood productions, with films being shot across its streets, gardens, hotels and other scenic locations.
He said that after cinemas began shutting down one after another, the people of Kashmir remained deprived of cinema for nearly two decades.
“For 20-25 years, we were deprived of cinema,” he said, adding that this was particularly significant because Kashmir had once been a major centre for Indian cinema.
The Union Minister said the festival provides an opportunity to revive the historic connection between Bollywood and Kashmir that existed prominently before the 1990s.
He also underlined the economic and employment potential of the film industry, saying that cinema was not merely a source of entertainment or income but could open new avenues for young people and provide opportunities to local artists, technicians and other professionals.
Recalling his personal memories of film shootings in Kashmir, Singh referred to the shooting of popular Bollywood productions in the Valley and the participation of local people and students in such projects.
He recalled an instance when a song featuring Amitabh Bachchan was shot in the area, with students from Government College for Women, Srinagar, participating in the audience for a scene in which actress Rakhee was portrayed as a student.
Similarly, referring to the shooting of the iconic song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar”, Singh said several local troupes and artists were provided employment during the production.
“These examples show how, in a way, the Valley of Kashmir was connected to Bollywood,” he said.
Singh emphasised that the relationship between Kashmir and the Hindi film industry was never one-sided.
“Kashmir enriched Bollywood and Bollywood, in turn, enriched Kashmir,” he said, describing the relationship as mutually beneficial.
He further highlighted the contribution of Kashmiri talent to Indian cinema, recalling that several prominent artists and actors associated with the golden era of Hindi cinema had roots in Kashmir.
Singh mentioned legendary names including Raj Kumar, Jeevan, Sabru and Om Prakash, while also recalling the contribution of writers and artists associated with Jammu and Kashmir and the wider region.
He also referred to filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, noting that Chopra was his senior in college and was present at the programme.
Singh said Kashmir had historically produced and nurtured considerable artistic talent that went on to make a mark in Bollywood.
He expressed hope that the film festival would help restore the cultural and cinematic link between Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian film industry while creating a platform for local filmmakers, actors, musicians and other creative professionals.
The Minister said the revival of film-related activities in Kashmir could therefore contribute not only to tourism and the local economy but also to the aspirations of the region’s younger generation.
He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir’s association with cinema is deeply rooted in its history and expressed optimism that the renewed interest of filmmakers in the Valley would strengthen this connection further.
