State to be hotspot for film industry: Kundu

Tribune News Service
Shimla, October 9

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Principal Secretary to the CM Sanjay Kundu said the government was trying to make Himachal a favourite destination for the film industry which would popularise the tourism potential of the state.

Interacting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Producers Guild of India, Kulmeet Makkar, who met him here today regarding the film policy of the state government, Kundu said the government had released its new comprehensive film policy in June 2019 and gave a presentation to Makkar.

He said a film facilitation office would soon be opened in the Directorate of Information and Public Relations with e-mail, web page and presence of social media to ensure proper liaison and interaction with the industry.

The producers may also be invited to shoot films and visit virgin destinations like Chanshal, Pong Dam, Bir Billing and Janjehli in the state, he said. These spots were being developed as tourist hubs. Makkar said since Himachal offered natural grandeur and splendid environment, the government should also invite Hollywood, Netflix and Amazon Prime to shoot films.

He informed the Principal Secretary that leading producers like Ramesh Sippy and Subhash Ghai had established centres for media and entertainment education in Mumbai. Sippy in collaboration with Mumbai University has set up Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment. On similar lines, Himachal may think of establishing such institutes for skill development of its youth so that they could pursue their career in the industry, he suggested.