Srinagar, Jul 26: Acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali said his 2011 blockbuster Rockstar played a key role in bringing Bollywood back to Kashmir, inspiring several filmmakers and producers to choose the valley as a shooting destination.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir in Srinagar in an exclusive interview after the screening of his latest film “Mai Vaapas Aaunga”, Ali said the success of Rockstar encouraged the film industry to rediscover Kashmir.
“When we shot Rockstar here, many filmmakers and producers came to Kashmir afterwards for shooting. I believe it started a trend of Bollywood returning to the valley,” he said.
Ali recalled that his association with Kashmir began after attending a tourism event in the valley, where a local resident suggested that he should shoot a film in Kashmir.
“I started exploring different locations and eventually decided to film Rockstar here. Originally, some portions featuring the actress were planned for Rajasthan, but we shifted them to Kashmir because of its unmatched beauty,” he said.
The filmmaker said Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and artistic heritage deserve to be showcased through cinema.
“We presented Kashmir’s art, culture and natural beauty to the world. Today, you can’t imagine Rockstar without Kashmir,” he said.
Imtiaz said the shooting of Rockstar in Kashmir was completed smoothly with full cooperation from the local people and authorities.
“Everybody helped us. The locals were extremely welcoming and cooperative. Later, we returned to shoot Highway here as well,” he said.
Calling himself a long-time admirer of Kashmir, Ali said he feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to shoot in the valley and expressed hope of returning soon with another project.
“I personally admire Kashmir, and I am planning to shoot here again very soon,” he said.
Highlighting the relationship between cinema and Kashmir, Imtiaz Ali said films not only celebrate the valley’s beauty but also contribute significantly to tourism.
“Cinema has a deep connection with Kashmir. It is important that films continue to be made here because they also help promote tourism,” he said.
The filmmaker also praised the talent of Kashmiri artists, saying they have made significant contributions to cinema.
“I have seen the work of Kashmiri artists, and they do wonderful work. Sajid and I have worked with many of them,” he said.
When asked whether Bollywood should explore more untouched locations in Kashmir, Ali said the valley’s popular destinations remain so visually stunning that filmmakers do not necessarily need to look elsewhere.
“The known locations are so beautiful that you don’t really need to search for untapped places for filming,” he remarked.
Speaking about the screening of Mai Vaapas Aaunga in Srinagar, Ali described it as an emotional milestone.
“It means a lot to watch my film in a theatre in Kashmir. This is the first time I have watched one of my films in a cinema hall here. Experiencing it with the audience in Kashmir was truly special,” he said.
Ali revealed that the film also shares a connection with Kashmir, as several actors from the valley are part of its cast.
Asked about the relevance of cinema halls in the digital era, the filmmaker stressed that theatres continue to offer an unmatched viewing experience.
“Despite technological advancements, people still prefer watching films in cinemas. A film is best experienced on the big screen with proper sound, exactly the way the director intends it to be seen,” he said.
He also lauded INOX Srinagar and its promoter Vijay Dhar for reviving cinema culture in the valley. “People in Srinagar can now enjoy films on the big screen again, and the credit goes to the owners of INOX Srinagar. Vijay Dhar has brought cinema back to Kashmir, and that is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
Recalling the journey of Laila Majnu, Ali said the film initially failed at the box office but found a new life through audiences in Kashmir.
“When Laila Majnu was released, it did not perform well commercially. Later, the owners of INOX Srinagar requested special screenings, and the response was phenomenal. That success eventually led to the film being re-released across India, creating history. Encouraged by the love the film received, Sajid Ali is now planning to make a new film, Heer Ranjha,” he said.
