Srinagar, Sept 8 (JKNS): Bollywood actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir offers vast possibilities for filmmaking, with its rich culture, rooted stories and emerging young talent providing filmmakers an opportunity to explore narratives beyond the region’s scenic landscapes.
Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the second day of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at SKICC Srinagar, actors as per news agency JKNS said that, their visit had been memorable, praising Kashmiri cuisine, local people and the sense of belonging they experienced during their stay.
“We liked it very much. We had Kashmiri food, met people here and felt a sense of belonging. It was wonderful. We would like more of our films to come here,” they said.
The actors said Kashmir’s potential for cinema extended beyond its natural beauty, pointing to its people, culture, food and everyday life as subjects capable of generating compelling stories.
“Kashmir has beautiful, rooted stories,” they said, adding that there was considerable scope for theatres, OTT platforms and other avenues to expand the region’s cinematic ecosystem.
On the participation of students and aspiring filmmakers at IFFJK, Tripathi and Divyenndu said festivals and masterclasses could provide young talent with an opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals.
They said the evolving film ecosystem could open new avenues for local youth and encourage filmmakers to explore stories rooted in the region.
The actors also expressed interest in seeing more films being made in Kashmir, saying further development of infrastructure would make the region an even more attractive destination for filmmakers.
“Kashmir is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. If infrastructure is further developed, it would be wonderful to come here and tell stories about Kashmir,” they said.
Recalling Kashmir’s longstanding association with the film industry, they said the region had traditionally been used for songs and film sequences, but filmmakers could now look beyond its landscapes and focus on its people and cultural life.
“Kashmir has had a connection with cinema for a long time. People used to come here for songs and shoots. But there are so many other things—the people, food and culture. Why not talk about them?” they said.
The actors are participating in the ongoing IFFJK, which has brought together filmmakers, actors, technicians, students and cinema enthusiasts from across India and abroad. (JKNS)
