Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 17: ‘Sargoshiyan’- feature film with a plot revolving around Kashmir – got premiered at the banks of the famous Dal Lake in Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Complex (SKICC). The film has been entirely shot in Kashmir.
Member Parliament and Patron National Conference Dr Farooq Abdullah, Minister for Education Altaf Bukhari, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Asiya Naqash, J&K Bank Chairman & CEO Parvez Ahmad and top management of the bank attended the screening of the film in the jam-packed auditorium besides huge gathering of people from all walks of life including arts and media. It was the first Bollywood film to have got premiered in Kashmir.
Dr Farooq Abdullah spoke briefly after the screening of the film, wherein he talked about strong social values that existed in the State and hoped to regain those values as was screened in ‘Sargoshiyan’. He appreciated the film maker and the J&K Bank for producing such a wonderful film showcasing rich cultural values.
Commenting on the bank’s association in the film, Chairman Parvez Ahmad said, “J&K Bank got associated with ‘Sargoshiyan’ in the backdrop of being a responsible corporate citizen of the J&K.”
“It all happened when the film maker, Imran Khan approached us with the concept of the film which highlighted State’s ethos and Kashmiriyat. Besides, it presented an opportunity for the bank’s brand promotion and also bring fresh scenic places on the valley’s tourist map,” he added.
“Despite all odds ‘Sargoshiyan’ has successfully captured the unexplored beauty of the valley, for which I appreciate the will and commitment of the team. I hope that the movie does help in unburdening of the hugely skewed perception about this place in the country,” he further said.
“We are committed to support such projects which highlight, promote or add value to and at the same time strengthen our socio-economic and cultural fabric”, he added.
He thanked the ‘Sargoshiyan’ team especially to its Director-Producer Imran Khan, who, he said, is not only very good film maker but also a nice human being.
“I hope the film attracts and encourages nature lovers and tourists across the country to visit these new and safe destinations thereby boosting the tourism industry of Kashmir”, he added. He hoped that the film would encourage other film makers to shoot their projects in the scenic lap of Kashmir.
In the past, Kashmir was the prime shooting location of the Bollywood films starting with Shammi Kapoor in the 1960s and the bond between Bollywood and Kashmir continued till 1990.
However, despite the two decades of turmoil at least 22 major films were picturized during the last 25 years in Valley which include few block busters like Mission Kashmir, Haider, Mohabatain, Highway, Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
Tourism Department hosted the dinner for the premiere participants at Royal Springs Golf Course.
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