Srinagar, Sep 09: Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy on Wednesday welcomed the improved situation in Kashmir, saying the positive atmosphere would help restore confidence among visitors and encourage filmmakers to return to the valley for shoots
Speaking to reporters at INOX Srinagar on the sidelines of the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), Sippy said the changing atmosphere in Kashmir was encouraging and expressed confidence that film shootings would increase in the region.
“It is encouraging to see that the atmosphere has improved a lot in Kashmir. People will now get the confidence to visit Kashmir. Shootings will now happen, and films will be made,” he said.
Recalling the time when Kashmir was a popular destination for Bollywood film shoots, Sippy said several iconic film songs had been filmed in the valley in the past, but the number of productions had declined over the years.
“That time was different when a lot of film songs were shot in Kashmir, but now fewer films are made here. You cannot find this kind of beauty anywhere,” he said.
“If there is a good story and actors, films can easily be made here. People are very cooperative, and the government is also encouraging. I am confident that everything will be normal here,” he said.
Describing the ongoing film festival as a positive beginning, Sippy said it could pave the way for greater cinematic activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This film festival is the beginning, and a good beginning for good things to come,” he said.
The veteran filmmaker said he would explore ways to contribute to Kashmir after his visit to the valley.
Referring to the challenges faced by the region in the past, he said the situation had changed considerably and hoped that the future would be brighter for everyone.
“There were issues because of militancy and other problems that were here, but those seem to have been resolved. Let us hope the future is bright for everyone,” Sippy said.
He also emphasised the role of local people in telling Kashmir’s stories through cinema, saying their connection with the region could add authenticity to such productions.
Sippy further said the people of Kashmir should not be viewed as different from those living in other parts of the country.
