Srinagar, September 9: Singer Sunidhi Chauhan and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali on Wednesday spoke about Kashmir’s deep connection with cinema and its potential to emerge as a major destination for filmmakers, during a media briefing at SKICC Srinagar.
Sunidhi Chauhan expressed her affection for Kashmir and said the love and warmth she has received from the region made it difficult for her to put her feelings into words. She said the growing interest in Kashmir through initiatives such as the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir could help bring greater attention to the region’s cultural and cinematic identity.
Discussing the representation of Kashmir in mainstream Bollywood, Chauhan observed that Kashmiri artists, songs and the region’s cultural elements have appeared far less frequently than their potential warrants. She recalled Kashmiri musical influences in Hindi cinema and said there remains considerable scope for greater representation.
She also spoke about the importance of cinema in exposing audiences to different cultures and perspectives. Referring to her own interest in international cinema, she described films as a window to the world and said cinema can help people understand places and cultures beyond their immediate surroundings.
Imtiaz Ali, meanwhile, spoke about his continuing connection with Kashmir and expressed his desire to return to the region. He said Kashmir has always held a special place for him and suggested that the region has many stories and possibilities that remain unexplored on screen.
The filmmaker also highlighted the potential of Kashmir as a destination for cinema and tourism, noting that greater film activity in the region could create opportunities for local talent and strengthen its visibility on the wider cinematic map.
Both Chauhan and Ali emphasised the need to encourage Kashmiri artists and give them greater opportunities within the film industry. Their remarks came amid the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar, which is seeking to strengthen the region’s connection with the world of cinema.
