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| After Noori, Bollywood never returned to Jammu | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 19: While pilgrim tourism in Jammu region has set new records, the Bollywood and the tourists continue to ignore the Jammu division notwithstanding the picturesque spots in Bhaderwah belt, Mantalai and Sudhmahadev and of course the Patnitop hill resort.
While the people who matter in the state have been projecting the Kashmir Valley, Noori is the only major film shot in the region. It starred Poonam Dhiloon and Farooq Sheikh and did good business.
Shockingly, the authorities failed to sell the scenic spots of Jammu region when Bollywood broke its decade old bonds with the Valley after commencement of militancy in 90s. That was the best time when the Bollywood could have been lured to venture into the region, opined an official of the tourism department preferring anonymity.
He has blamed the state government, particularly its own department for what he calls a serious lapse.
On the contrary hundreds of films have been shot in Kashmir Valley. There has been a continued repetition of scenes from Dal Lake, Pahalgam and Gulmarg in such movies, the cinema lovers said.
Interestingly the Bollywood ventured into Kashmir Valley in 1949 at the behest of former Prime Minister of India, Late Indira Gandhi, Ali Muhammad, 85, said. The octogenarian has been a close associate of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and is privy to several important decisions involving Jammu and Kashmir taken during that important period.
Meanwhile, the Bollywood has revived its `affair' with the Valley. A number of film makers visited the Valley last year. These include Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Farah Khan and Salman Khan. Salman shot a few scenes for his film Race 3 and thanked the state government for the support and cooperation.
At least half a dozen films are scheduled to be filmed in Kashmir if the situation permits. But, Jammu continues to be ignored.
The tourism actors from Jammu have urged the tourism officials to contact top film actors, producers and directors and convince them to explore the potential in Jammu region. |
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