Srinagar, Sep 9: Renowned Bollywood actor and filmmaker Akbar Khan on Wednesday praised the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), saying the event has the potential to emerge as a major international cultural platform and eventually compete with Cannes.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Khan congratulated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the organisers, describing the festival's opening as “spectacular, mesmerising and soulful”.
He appreciated the performances by Dr Janas-e-R Akhtar, Rani and Falak, saying they captured the spirit of the landmark event.
Khan also praised Omar’s inaugural address for highlighting Kashmir's long and emotional association with Bollywood. He recalled how generations of filmmakers and actors have been drawn to the Valley's landscapes and the warmth extended by its people.
Referring to Bollywood productions, Khan recalled Junglee and Shammi Kapoor's famous “Yahoo” call, saying it had become almost a signature sound of Kashmir and inspired filmmakers to explore the Valley.
Srinagar, he said, was uniquely suited to host an international film festival because of its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
“I feel year after year this festival will grow from strength to strength and very soon would be in competition with the Cannes Film Festival and maybe even get better,” the filmmaker said.
According to Khan, Kashmir's mountains, lakes and natural beauty could provide the festival with an attraction that few other international venues can match. “Filmmakers visiting Srinagar would experience not only world cinema but also the cultural and emotional soul of Kashmir”.”
He described cinema as a powerful bridge between nations and civilisations, stressing that festivals should remain platforms where films are evaluated on artistic and cinematic merit, without prejudice or ideological interference.
He, however, underlined the responsibility of filmmakers while portraying history and communal relations.
Khan cautioned against distorting historical events to spread hatred or promote propaganda.
Speaking about Kashmir's cultural identity, he highlighted its Sufi traditions and history of coexistence among different communities.
He said India's civilisational diversity should be preserved and reflected responsibly through cinema.
Recalling his own productions including “The Sword of Tipu Sultan” and “Akbar the Great”, Khan said his work had aimed at promoting harmony and nation-building.
He cited Emperor Akbar's principle of Sulh-e-Kul as an enduring message of peace and respect for all faiths.
Khan also announced plans to bring his film “Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story” to Kashmir for a premiere, describing the monument as a universal symbol of love and harmony.
Expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended to him, the filmmaker praised Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah for their commitment to an inclusive society.