Srinagar: Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has called on Kashmir’s young filmmakers and storytellers to look beyond familiar portrayals of the region and explore the wealth of human stories rooted in its society, culture and everyday life.
Speaking during his interaction in Srinagar, Ali said Kashmir has a large pool of stories that remain unexplored and could offer filmmakers a richer understanding of the region beyond the images that have traditionally dominated its representation.
The filmmaker, known for films including Rockstar and Jab We Met, said Kashmir has influenced his creative outlook and continues to hold a strong place in his work. He has previously spoken about the region’s culture, people and way of life as important sources of inspiration.
Ali said the responsibility of presenting Kashmir from within should not rest entirely with filmmakers from outside the region. Young Kashmiris, he said, are better placed to identify the stories, characters and experiences that deserve a wider audience.
He also highlighted the creative potential among Kashmiri youth, saying the region has considerable talent that can contribute to Indian cinema if given the right opportunities and professional exposure.
The filmmaker has maintained that Kashmir’s cinematic identity should not be restricted to conflict and violence. In an earlier interaction with media students at the University of Kashmir, he said the region had often been inadequately represented in Bollywood and encouraged local students to become filmmakers and storytellers themselves.
Ali has also spoken about his personal connection with Kashmir, describing the region as a significant influence on his personality and creative thinking. His recent visit to Srinagar coincided with his participation in cultural and film-related events in the city.
His comments come at a time when filmmaking and cultural events in Jammu and Kashmir are receiving renewed attention, creating new opportunities for local artists, filmmakers and young storytellers to take their work to wider audiences.
For Kashmir’s emerging creative community, Ali’s message is clear: the region has no shortage of stories; what it needs is a new generation of storytellers capable of bringing those stories to the screen with authenticity and professional craft.
