Kulgam, 10 June: Kashmir is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. In a surprising turn of events connected to Bollywood’s comeback, several rural parts of Kashmir have gained the attention of film producers, who traditionally go to the more popular tourist destinations of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg.
According to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a source familiar with the production of the short film “Ababil” directed by Waseem Ashraf and produced by Zingara Bash Films said that filming had begun in the remote area of Ariward, Lammar, in the Kulgam district of South Kashmir.
The narrative was written and directed by Karamat Gorsi, he said, and filming would take place in other rural regions in South Kashmir districts as well, for which all necessary preparations have been made.
In this context, it is worth noting that film crews are returning to Kashmir after a lengthy absence, which should be good news for the economy of J&K and provide a new dimension to the state’s film tourist industry. More than 300 films and TV shows were filmed in J&K that year.
Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kulgam, told KNO that the Union Territory government has created a film policy that allows shooting in a variety of locations.
We’re setting up unique arrangements, including house stays, in certain regions to make the trip easier for visitors and film crews alike. And we’ve done a lot of work on social media to get the word out about these places, too,” he said.
He said that the goal is to help the local populations there by providing economic options via tourism, such as making it possible for certain people to work as tour guides, photographers, and in other supporting jobs. It’s interesting to note that at least 300 films or television series were filmed in Kashmir in 2022. The administration of J&K has mapped out an additional 300 potential filming sites in the Valley to attract more visitors. The latest G20 conference prioritised the growth of the film tourist industry in Kashmir.
