Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Oct 26: Film Director and writer, Rahul Rawail said that there has been negative projection on Kashmir for the last three decades and people during this period have missed a lot and it needs to be told through cinema.
Son of veteran film director H.S. Rawail, Rahul Rawail started his film journey as an Assistant Director to Raj Kapoor in R.K. Films. He made his directorial debut with Gunahgaar (1980). His career took off with the romantic drama Love Story (1981). He also launched Sunny Deol in Betaab (1983), a film that also marked the debut of Amrita Singh and Annu Kapoor. Rahul Rawail introduced many newcomers, including musicians, singers, lyricists, and actors. He is the author of the book ‘Raj Kapoor – The Master at Work’.
Rawail spoke to Excelsior on the sidelines of Kumaon Literary Festival (KLF) that was held here last week.
Q: What is Kashmir to you?
Rahul Rawail: I have come here after 40 years and there are a lot of memories I have when it comes to Kashmir; something is touched when I hear about Kashmir and coming here is a different experience and a feeling for me. I want a time to finally come when I don’t have to think before coming to Kashmir for film shooting again because this place is pure, beautiful, and serene—something which I have not seen anywhere else in the world.
Q: Tell us about your work in Kashmir
Rahul Rawail: I have been here several times and we have carried out the shooting of movies like Betaab, Love Story, Biwi Aur Biwi, and after that, Bobby, in which my role was of assistant director with Raj Kapoor. And what is more rewarding to me is that the place where the movie Betaab was shot, gave that place a name forever because that is now called Betaab Valley. That’s something because I was associated with that movie and there are memories that I still cherish.
Q: Why do we need such events?
Rahul Rawail: The events like Kumaon Literary Festival (KLF) are much needed as they provide a platform for people to get together and talk. Most importantly, it brings people belonging to different art forms together where they talk about their work, eventually inspiring the younger people, who are interested in art, to see where they want to go and how to proceed with it.
Q: Did you witness any change around?
Rahul Rawail: The atmosphere around Kashmir is as conducive as it was earlier. I have had a chance of moving around in Srinagar city and that element of conduciveness, love, and affection are there; very well intact. There is no fear of any kind and what we used to be told (mostly negative); is not even in the picture; I don’t see that anywhere. I think people must come here, especially for the shooting of movies because, in the last few decades, nothing has happened here in the name of art.
Q: How has cinema projected Kashmir?
Rahul Rawail: There has indeed been a negative projection, but there is no need to focus on the negative side. I think that the aim of movies should always be to project the positive side of every situation and the same is true when we talk about Kashmir. What people in Kashmir have missed for the last 30 years needs to be shown through cinema. I think there is a need for going into what people witnessed over these many years, what led to this kind of situation and how are people trying their best to get out of it; it all needs to be shown and without that, I don’t think there is any other way.
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