Srinagar, Sept 13: Bollywood actress Sadia Khateeb has hailed the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), describing it as a “beautiful event” that could open new opportunities for filmmakers from Kashmir while showcasing the region’s hospitality and growing potential as a film destination.
Khateeb, who attended the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) recently in Srinagar told Rising Kashmir that she had a “great experience” returning to Kashmir specifically for the event.
“This is a beautiful event organised by the J&K Government, Tourism Department and other departments. I keep coming to Kashmir sometimes to meet my parents and sometimes for shoots, but this time I came for the film festival and it was a great experience to be back in Kashmir,” she said.
The actress also experienced the festival’s floating cinema, calling it a unique experience.
“I also saw the floating cinema and it was a different experience. It always feels great when people from our own place do something great and extraordinary,” said Khateeb who has worked in films like Shikara, Raksha Bandhan, Diplomat and others.
Khateeb said the festival could help create opportunities for both Kashmiri and outside filmmakers while changing perceptions about Kashmir.
“I think this festival will open doors for Kashmiri filmmakers as well as outsiders. It will also help people who don’t know how safe Kashmir is and how hospitable people are here. Such festivals are going to be beautifully prosperous,” she said.
She said the film fraternity in Mumbai was excited about the festival, particularly because it was being held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time.
“The industry in Mumbai was very happy to know about this film festival and excited too because it is happening for the first time. Earlier, such film festivals have taken place in Goa and other cities. When it happened in J&K, everyone was excited. Everyone looks for an excuse to be in Kashmir,” Khateeb said.
She added that those who attended the festival enjoyed being part of the event and experiencing Kashmir.
The actress also shared her personal connection with Kashmir, saying her father had been posted here as Director Agriculture and that her family has a house in the Rawalpora area.
“I keep coming to Kashmir. Whenever I come to Kashmir, the first thing I do is go to Boulevard Road or Khayam for barbecues. I also go for Wazwan. When I come to Kashmir, the first thing I do is look for good food,” she said.
