Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Mar. 11: After years of insurgency and violence, the Bollywood film industry is making a comeback in Kashmir, the picturesque northernmost region of India.
Once a favorite location for Bollywood filmmakers, the valley saw a decline in movie-making activity in the 1980s due to political turmoil. However, with the recent reopening of cinema doors and the inauguration of the first multiplex by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Bollywood wave is back at an increasing rate in the Union Territory.
This development has brought relief not only for the local artists but also for the people of the valley who are enjoying the renewed focus on their region.
After a 13-year gap, Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt returned to Kashmir to shoot his upcoming Tamil movie.
Sources told Kashmir Despatch that Sanjay Dutt and Malayalam actor Babu Anthony have joined the sets of the Tamil movie Leo (a gangster action film in Kashmir).
Earlier this week, the leading actors of this movie, two superstars of the Tamil industry, Vijay Chandrasekhar and Trisha Krishnan, joined the crew to shoot in the health resort Pahalgam for this movie, which is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
People with the know-how of things told Kashmir Despatch that Sanjay Dutt landed in Kashmir on Friday (Mar. 10), and he will be filming for a couple of weeks for “Leo” in Kashmir.
They said Sanjay Dutt will play the antagonist in the film, and this will also mark his Tamil debut.
They said the film is locked for release on October 19, 2023.
It was in 2000 when Bollywood made a comeback to the Valley, with Sanjay Dutt leading the movie ‘Mission Kashmir.
His next movie in Kashmir after joining politics was Rahul Dholakia’s “Lamhaa” in 2009.
Pertinently, Karan Johar wrapped up the Kashmir schedule of “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.”
Karan, through his Instagram account, confirmed the completion of his shot in Kashmir.
“Meri performance pe and mat jao, meri feelings ko samjho.” “Bidding farewell to beautiful Kashmir! “This is Karan Johar signing off, with camera person @shaunagautam!” the filmmaker captioned a video of him taking in the snow-capped Kashmir Valley set to the tune of the iconic “Roja” song “Yeh Haseen Vaadiyaan.”
The upcoming family drama stars Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead, alongside veteran actors Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi in key roles.
