Mirzapur Stars Tripathi, Divyenndu Say Kashmir Ripe for Regional Filmmaking

SRINAGAR  Bollywood actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu, widely recognised for playing Kaleen Bhaiya and Munna Tripathi in the hit web series Mirzapur, said on Tuesday that Jammu and Kashmir is well-positioned to become a hub for regional cinema, pointing to its authentic local narratives, emerging talent pool, and fast-growing digital streaming landscape.

The duo were speaking to reporters on the second day of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), held at SKICC in Srinagar. Both actors said their time in the Valley had been memorable, singling out the local cuisine, warmth of the people, and cultural atmosphere as highlights that made them feel genuinely at home.

Looking beyond Kashmir's famous landscapes, the pair argued that its real strength lies in its people and stories — raw material they believe filmmakers have yet to fully explore. They were upbeat about where the industry is headed, pointing to the rise of theatres and OTT platforms as evidence that opportunities in the region are only set to expand, benefiting local actors and emerging filmmakers alike.

Addressing students and young filmmakers at the festival, the actors emphasized the value of events like IFFJK, noting that masterclasses and interactions with seasoned industry professionals give aspiring talent a rare chance to learn directly from those who've made films.

Asked whether they'd consider shooting a project in Kashmir themselves, Tripathi and Divyenndu expressed particular fondness for Dal Lake and reiterated that the region's stories run deeper than its scenery. They suggested that with continued infrastructure development, Kashmir could become an even more attractive base for filmmakers wanting to tell region-specific stories — not just chase picturesque backdrops.

The actors also reflected on Kashmir's long but narrow relationship with Hindi cinema, historically valued mainly as a location for song sequences and scenic shots. They suggested it's time the industry moved past that reputation and started engaging more seriously with the region's people, food, and culture as subjects in their own right.

The two actors are among the film personalities, technicians, students, and cinema enthusiasts — from India and abroad — gathered in Srinagar for the ongoing IFFJK.