Actors and artistes participating in the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) on Wednesday reflected on Kashmir’s long association with cinema, saying the revival of theatres and growing filmmaking activity in the valley could help bring local stories and voices to a wider audience.
Addressing a press conference at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, actor Sanjay Suri recalled his early memories of watching films in Kashmir, saying cinema theatres had been an important part of his childhood.
“I started watching films in Kashmir. I would go to Palladium, Regal, Neelam, Broadway and other cinemas to watch movies,” Suri said.
Recalling the difficult phase when cinemas remained shut in Kashmir, he said attempts to reopen theatres in the past had also faced setbacks.
“In 1999, the government tried to reopen Regal, but there was a grenade attack. The situation at that time influenced the stories that were being made as well. Now the situation has changed, and people have started making films too,” he said.
Suri said the return of cinema to Kashmir could create opportunities for local filmmakers and storytellers.
“People in Kashmir should tell their own stories. That will bring a change,” he said, while praising filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ and urging audiences to watch films that explore the region and its people.
Actor Vedang Raina, who has Kashmiri roots, said returning to the valley was always special for him.
“I am from Kashmir and have also come here with my family. I am happy whenever I come back. Srinagar will always be my home and my family is originally from Kashmir,” he said.
Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan also spoke about the influence of regional music on mainstream Hindi cinema, saying the industry has increasingly created space for folk and regional sounds.
“There are many songs that we have done from different regions, whether folk or something else. I was lucky that I got to sing Bumbroo Bumbroo for Kashmir. Such spaces will automatically become larger,” she said.
Chauhan, who is visiting Kashmir as part of the film festival, said she had wanted to visit the valley for a long time and was impressed by its people and culture.
“I always wanted to visit Kashmir, but finally I got the chance to be here. Now I have understood the importance of this place. People here are very disciplined, and I would love to bring my concert to Kashmir,” she said.
Actress Sharvari Wagh said she would be keen to portray a Kashmiri character in a local film if given an opportunity. “If I get a chance to play a Kashmiri in a local film, I would love to do it. We always look for interesting films and I hope I get such an opportunity,” she said.
Speaking about ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, Wagh said working with Imtiaz Ali and Vedang Raina had been a memorable experience.
“It was great to work with Imtiaz Ali and Vedang Raina. I am grateful to Imtiaz Ali for giving me this opportunity,” she said.
Singer Deepali Sahay highlighted Kashmir’s strong musical culture, saying the valley has a deep appreciation for music and legendary singers.
“Kashmir is filled with music lovers. I have learnt that there are many Mohammed Rafi fans here,” she said.
The artistes said the ongoing film festival could further strengthen Kashmir’s connection with cinema and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase stories from the valley to audiences within and outside the region.
