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| Local family of Bhaderwah turns saviour for stranded Pune-based filmmakers | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
BHADERWAH, Apr 18: In an act of communal harmony and generosity, a Muslim household here opened its doors to a team of filmmakers from Pune, who were stranded due to the countrywide lockdown that was imposed on March 25.
But for the timely help of Nazim Malik of Gatha village in tehsil Bhaderwah of Doda district, it would have been worse for Nachiket Guttikar and his two associates, who had nowhere to go following the imposition of nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus.
It has been more than three weeks now that Guttikar, Shamin Kulkarni and Ninad Datar are putting up at the residence of Malik, who as a perfect host is making all sincere efforts to make his ‘unexpected guests’ at ease. The trio had reached here on March 15 to shoot for a documentary and was scheduled to board a flight from Jammu to Pune on March 25, the very day the lockdown came into effect.
The night before, on March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a three-week lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19. It was evident they had no option but to stay put.
What more the stranded filmmakers from Pune could have asked when Malik offered them his house for shelter.
It was nothing less than a blessing in disguise for them as they knew that there is no chance to get back to their native place keeping in view the travelling restrictions amid lockdown. “The situation was scary when the government announced the lockdown. We were in panic because surface as well as air traffic was suspended and all hotels were closed. We were so fortunate that this family graciously came forward and gave us the offer to stay with them,” said Guttikar.
“It has been more than three weeks since we have been staying with this family. We are feeling at home because of the friendly nature of all the members. I am quite sure this type of hospitality cannot be found anywhere. This is the real Kashmiriyat which we often hear about,” he added.
The Malik family members also consider themselves fortunate, saying they have got an opportunity to help distressed strangers amid the unprecedented health crisis.
“It is not a favour we made to them. If tomorrow our children get stuck in the same situation, someone will surely extend a helping hand to them,” Malik said.
“The guests are welcome to stay at my home till the situation demands,” he added. |
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