If there is a good script, a Pahari film can be made : The Tribune India

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If there is a good script, a Pahari film can be made

Himachal is visited by a large number of tourists round the year.

If there is a good script, a Pahari  film can be made

Yami Gautam



Bhanu P Lohumi

Himachal is visited by a large number of tourists round the year. The state has vast tourism potential but the need is to take steps for tourism promotion that do not disturb the environment, says noted film actress Yami Gautam, who was the face of Himachal during the recent Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet.

Yami, who hails from Himachal, had been the brand ambassador for Hong Kong tourism. She sees great investment potential in the hill state. She feels that it is a favourite destination for film shooting but making things economically viable and a single window system for permissions will attract more producers to the state.

Yami talked about various issues such as the importance of connectivity, scripts of films and the investment potential of the state. Excerpts from an interview with Bhanu P Lohumi…

Yami, you were the face of Himachal during the recent Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet. How was the experience?

The experience was fantastic. It was like homecoming. Being a Himachali, for me it was definitely a moment of honour. The fact that you are representing your own state, welcoming the Prime Minister and meeting dignitaries from Himachal, including the Chief Minister, was a memorable day for me.

Himachal is a favourite destination for film shooting. Do you think the state should develop a film city?

Himachal is one of the favourite shooting destinations. I can’t say how much establishing a film city will exactly help as the landscape, beauty and infrastructure of Himachal is such that one will not like to be restricted only to a certain area. But yes making things economically viable and starting a single window system for permissions will attract more film producers to the state.    

What is your take on the tourism potential of Himachal; how it can be exploited without damaging the environment? 

Himachal is already a favourite tourist destination but the need of the hour is that the steps for tourism promotion do not disturb the environment. Rules need to be formulated regarding cleanliness and sanitation, involvement of local people to take the ownership of the state and ensure that neither residents nor tourists destroy the local environment and the ecology. Strict rules and conditioning of people to preserve the natural beauty of the place should be ensured. Home stay accommodation should be established as it will reduce the need for the construction of new hotels that requires cutting of trees.

Himachali songs are becoming popular but no Bollywood film-maker has tried to make a movie in the dialect. Do you think such an endeavour will provide an opportunity to the Himachali Youth?

The beauty of the film industry is that anybody is welcome to make a movie in any language. Pahari songs in Indian folk music have already become popular. In the past, many film-makers have incorporated Himachali dialect in their movies, but yes a film in Pahari has not happened till day. I am sure that if there is a good script a film will be made and it will serve as an encouragement to the local youth also.

How important is rail, road and air connectivity for tourism and industrial growth in the state?

Good rail, road and air connectivity is very important. From the industry perspective, it becomes easier to plan and commute and transport goods. It is challenging geographically to build infrastructure in Himachal but we need such projects to come up. Engaging locals will also provide employment but at the same time we have to ensure that the balance is maintained and the environment is not disturbed.

Do you think proposed investment will come to Himachal?

The state has huge investment potential in multiple spheres such as tourism, food processing, housing, agriculture, education and power. I am positive that the target will be met. The meet was organised for the first time and it was nice to see that people from all over the world were keen to invest in Himachal. The law and order situation in the state is good and the environment is amazing. Definitely, the response was fantastic and the meet was quite a success.

You had been the brand ambassador for Hong Kong tourism; any suggestions for harnessing the tourism potential of remote areas in Himachal?

Yes, it was a brief association with Hong Kong tourism last year and it provided me an insight into that country and its culture. One thing I really liked about Hong Kong was strict decorum and rules and regulations with no exceptions.

I have myself invested in an agricultural land in Himachal where we have a heritage home and practise natural farming. You can invite people through educational tours to learn natural practices of farming, and teach them how to grow, harvest and pluck fruits and vegetables in rural and remote areas. The village feel fascinates tourists who seek respite from the stressful city life. Providing a nice hygienic accommodation for stay and introducing tourists to the local culture and cuisine will be an added advantage.

How important is the script for a movie; what are your upcoming projects?  

The script is as important to a film as the heart and the head is to a human body. It is the basic of everything from where everything stems. If the script is good, execution, casting, technical team and the crew will all fall in place. It has to have weight, life and substance to make an extraordinary film. I have just finished shooting for the film “Ginni weds Sunny”. The film is set in Delhi and my mother in it is a match-maker, who is not able to find a match for me.

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