Sajid Raina
North Kashmir’s Gurez sector was one of the most volatile areas close to the Line of Control as It was the traditional route of terrorists and was hit by continuous ceasefire violations has now gets the attention of Bollywood film makers as the first ever film shoot is underway in the valley.
The rattle of guns has been replaced by the noises of tourists clicking selfies who were seen enjoying the breathtaking mountains while the tourism along LoC started gaining momentum in 2020 when neighbouring countries India and Pakistan agreed to annex with a ceasefire agreement. The locals said that the tourists from across the country have been coming to the border region since last two years hoping the residents that it change the dynamics of the region.
For the first time in the history, the picturesque Gurez valley which is known for its breathtaking beauty, high altitude passes, dense forests and snow capped peaks has now gets the attention of Bollywood film makers as the first ever film shoot is underway in the valley which has been used as an infiltration corridor by the terrorist outfits and people living along Line of control(LOC) have been victims of the shells and bombs fired by Pakistan army.
However Border town has got much attention from tourists after guns fell silent along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021, due to the reiteration of the 2003 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
“Besides gaining popularity in tourism sector, the valley has now got attention of the bollywood film makers as it is going to feature in a movie named “Chahiye Thoda Pyaar” for the first time his the history,” an official said.
He also said they that they were impressed by the hospitality of Gurezi people there. He said that they will encourage other colleagues, producers, and directors of the industry to shoot their films in the Gurez valley. “Besides we are giving much priority to the local artists to get involved in the movies,” he said.
“It’s completely Naya Kashmir what we are seeing here, people are lovely and the hospitality of people here is much amazing,” said one of film crew present in the Gurez the valley which was awarded the best offbeat tourist destination in India recently.
Ilhaq Ahmad Tantray a tourist said that the Gurez valley should he promoted more and more as tourist destination because it has that level of beauty even bollywood industry got attracted to shoot films over here
Although, it’s for the first time that film is being shooted here but more and more people from this locality should he involved in films which can help them in earning their livelihood.
Tantray futher said that there are dozens of new hotels and homestays that have opened in the Gurez Valley besides the locals are converting their houses into homestays and allowing tourists to experience the culture and heritage of the Gurez Valley.
He said that prominent bollywood film maker, TV director, editor, screenwriter and producer Onir along with 25 members have reached the Gurez valley for shooting his upcoming movie “Chahiye thoda pyaar”. “Bollywood has had a decades old connection with Kashmir and we want bring that connection back,” onir said, adding that Gurez is the most beautiful place he have ever seen in his life and he would love to visit the Valley for shootings in future as well.
He further said that that the valley is getting new mood and dimension which is being seen on the ground. How the people in General and youth in particular are inclusively participating in such kind of entertainment stuffs.
Another film crew said that it is good to see how the Auvlution and paradigm shift reflecting from the locals of the valley especially the youth which will prove a Properous and peaceful milestone.
Last year, the Jammu and Kashmir government issued a film policy for the union territory, with the aim of maximising the potential of both its film servicing industry, as well as the promising local film industry. The policy covers the period from its release till 2026.
Meanwhile, the locals termed the opening of bollywood film shooting in the Gurez valley welcome step and said that more events like this should be held here in future as well.(Milap News Network)
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