Govt sets up single window to permit shooting movies in state

Srinagar, May 10

With an aim to promote tourism, Jammu and Kashmir government has set up a single window clearance system for granting permission within seven days for shooting Bollywood movies in the Valley.

"We have established a single window clearance system for film shoots in Kashmir. These permissions will be granted within seven days of application," Shailendra Kumar, the Commissioner Secretary for Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, said.

Kashmir was a favourite outdoor shooting destination for Bollywood movies before the militancy began in the state in 1990. The Valley is again finding favour with the producers after legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra's last directorial venture starring Shah Rukh Khan 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' was extensively shot in Kashmir. Vishal Bharadwaj’s critically-acclaimed 'Haider' — an adaption of Shakespeare's Hamlet — shot entirely in the Valley. Bollywwod actor Salman Khan was also recently in the Valley for an extended shoot of the 'Bhajrangi Bhaijaan'.

“More and more Bollywood movies are being shot in the state, especially Kashmir, which will go a long way in promoting tourism. Pahalgam was famous even before 'Betaab' (Sunny Deol's debut movie) was shot there but the tourists would only go to a particular point. After the movie, we created Betaab Valley and tourists want to visit it," he said.— PTI