Srinagar, Sep 09 (KNO): Cinema returned to the spotlight in Kashmir as Mai Wapas Aaunga is set to premiere at INOX Srinagar during the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), with leading film personalities highlighting the Valley’s rich storytelling tradition, vibrant music culture and renewed opportunities for filmmakers and artists.
Speaking at a joint media interaction at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, actor-producer Sanjay Suri, actor Vedang Raina and actress Sharvari reflected on their connection with Kashmir and the importance of bringing its stories to the screen, according to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Sanjay Suri said the return of such an atmosphere after decades was significant for both Kashmir and the film industry.
“After 25-30 years, seeing this atmosphere again is very special. Filmmakers are also saying that this is a place where people have started making films again,” Suri said.
Recalling his association with cinema in Kashmir, he added: “Cinema is a window to another world. Kashmir has so many stories. Until people come here and connect with these stories, they cannot be told.”
Suri stressed the need for greater awareness, marketing and institutional support to strengthen Kashmir’s film ecosystem.
“It is a beginning. If workshops are organised and a film school comes up here, it will be excellent for the youth,” he said, adding that Kashmir has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.
Actor Vedang Raina said Kashmir held a special place in his heart as his family hails from Rainawari.
“I have not seen as much of Kashmir as I wanted to. Kashmir will always be home. My family is from Rainawari. I can understand a little Kashmiri, but I cannot speak much. It feels really good to be here,” he said.
Sunidhi Chauhan, whose voice is closely associated with the iconic song Bumro Bumro, said she felt fortunate to have been part of the track.
“The kind of story it is creates its own space, and everything comes from there. I feel lucky that I got the opportunity to sing ‘Bumro Bumro’,” she said.
Recalling her experience with the song, Chauhan said she had learnt the language for it and had long dreamt of visiting Kashmir.
“I always dreamt of coming to Kashmir and, after so many years, I finally got the opportunity. After coming here, I realised the power of this place,” she said.
Describing Kashmir as “very deep”, the singer said she would love to return.
“I have attended very few film festivals, but here in Kashmir I feel so much pyaar and adab. You don’t get to experience this very often,” she said.
Chauhan also expressed her desire to perform in the Valley.
“I am waiting for the day when I can come here with my concert. I want to experience the energy here,” she said.
Speaking about Kashmiri music, she said the language and lyrics were fascinating and expressed hope for a deeper engagement with the region’s musical heritage.
Later, Chauhan sang a few lines from Bumro Bumro during the interaction.
Actress Sharvari said compelling stories transcend language barriers.
“Stories are important. Language is not a barrier. Actors get opportunities through cinema, and this is a great opportunity,” she said.
The film personalities said Kashmir’s renewed engagement with cinema could create new avenues for local actors, filmmakers, musicians and young people, while enabling the Valley’s stories to reach wider audiences.—(KNO)