KASHMIRI FILM INDUSTRY
This is an industry which has been revived after 39 years in 2006 with the movie Akh Daleel Loolech. Kashmir is considered as heaven on earth and was a favorite spot for romantic shoots. But due to the militancy and the cross border terrorism, this place is not accessible. A lot of movies were never made here because it is basically a very poor state and so they haven’t been able to raise enough finances for movies. The last movie to be released here was Habba Khatoon in 1967.

A lot of movies have been shot in Kashmir and have stories based on the Kashmir issue. Hritik Roshan Mission Kashmir was shot in Kashmir. Movies like LOC too had portions shot in different locations of Kashmir. Songs are often shot in Shikara’s too give it the Kashmiri feel. Hope the makers in this area just decide to not get stopped by the terrorism and make more movies in Kashmir so that the world can see the natural beauty of this place.

Yester years star Waheeda Rehmann visited Kashmir after 26 years and this is what she had to say ” Kashmir used to be the favorite shooting spot for all Indian filmmakers in 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and we’ve always loved to be here. I’m a little disheartened to see the condition of the Dal Lake, whose waters used to be crystal clear. Encroachments all along Dal, too many people and lack of hygiene among the people have spoiled my mood. The silver lining, however, is that normalcy is returning to Kashmir, which could be a harbinger of a new era for the people of the valley”.

Kashmir has given Bollywood stars like Kiran Kumar, Anupam Kher, Sanjay Suri, Jeevan and a new star Rahul Bhatt. Onkar Aima is another famous personality from Kashmir. Child artist turned hero Kunal Khemu too is a Kashmiri gift to Bollywood.