Kashmir is well-known for its unconditional natural beauty, pristine lakes, clear gushing waters and mountainous peaks. Although, the present condition in the valley is not conducive for its people going by the frequent encounters, protests, unemployment issue or others, as it is not the same case in other states, nevertheless, the youth are thriving best to carve a niche in different sectors. The Youth in Kashmir comprises 60 per cent of total population. Here is the story of one such youth who is restless and is trying to create a space of his own.
Thirty-year-old Isam Wani, who hails from Rajbagh Srinagar, completed his masters in business administration from the University of Kashmir. Wani was certain to do something different and was fascinated with photography, cinematography and filmmaking from a very tender age. Since Wani belongs to a family that is mostly into the hospitality sector, he got a supportive atmosphere at home when he wished to take up his hobby as a profession.
Wani had started shooting short documentaries and web series from the tender age of 18 only. He said, “I am more passionate about showing Kashmir in a positive approach and promote it as a travel destination.”
After completing his masters he did a drone pilot course from Mumbai. After coming back, he started his own company namely ‘Colour White Studio’ with his twin brother Minam. Today, Wani is the only licensed drone pilot in Kashmir and is working tirelessly from past two years with the department of Jammu and Kashmir tourism to make short videos of different destinations that are not on the travel map.
“We have been doing a lot of videos of destinations that have not been explored to that extend as of now like Gurez, Gangbal, Aharbal, Tso Moriri Lake, Lolab valley to name a few,” Wani said.
The twin brothers are already excelling against all odds within just two years after establishing their company as they have already shot a documentary for BBC. They also have done cinematography and drone shots in many Bollywood films including Anurag Kashyap upcoming movie Manmarziyan, Sajid Ali’s next flick Laila Majnu that was mostly shot in the Valley of Kashmir, which is all set to release in September this year. Besides, the twin brothers have also done a small cameo for director Anurag Kashyup. They have done a lot of commercial shoots, music videos for Parvaaz band too.
Under the tagline of ‘Colour White Studios,’ the duo try and teach people to get a license for Drone before flying it in Kashmir valley and help and guide them how to apply for a license. Despite living in the common occurrence of a tense situation in the Valley, both the brothers have made it a point to remain focused and excel in their ideas.
Wani mentions that Kashmir is a place where one cannot work for 365 days. “Before starting our dream project, we planned of only 100 days of work every year. In those 100 days, we will give our best and try to be different and creative.”
