CM takes Big B’s advice to make HP film-shoot hub

Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, December 1

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today met superstar Amitabh Bachchan at Manali and sought suggestions to make Himachal a much sought-after destination for film shooting.

He reportedly asked Big B the steps to make the proposed film city project a success. It was a closed-door meeting between the CM and the actor.

Sources told The Tribune that the CM had a detailed discussion with the Bollywood actor about the promotion of the tourism sector and apprised him about the efforts made by the government in this direction.

In response, Big B praised the scenic beauty and environment of Himachal and said there was a vast potential for the tourism sector because the state is blessed with natural beauty.

After meeting Bachchan, he said, “The film city project is going in the right direction and the government is getting proposals. The state government has framed a film policy to attract the Bollywood industry here and we are hopeful that something will come out soon,” he added.

“Big B is a popular actor among the masses and he is the state guest here. The film, Big B is shooting in Manali, will make a mark in the Bollywood industry and will play a crucial role in promoting Kullu-Manali for tourism purpose on the national and international level,” Thakur said.

The Chief Minister welcomed Big B by presenting him a Himachali cap and a memento.

Earlier, the CM laid foundation stones of several projects in Seraj of Mandi district. He announced a sub-tehsil for Bagachanogi. He inaugurated the building of Primary Health Centre-Bagachanogi constructed at a cost of Rs. 86 lakh.

He also inaugurated the lift water supply scheme for Sarachi, Khanwachi, Baggi Khudagi, DFP Funjar, Kuklah in Kalhani Gram Panchayat.

The CM laid foundation stones of an inspection hut of the IPH Department at Bhatkidhar and building of Government Senior Secondary School-Bhakidhar. He laid the foundation stone of office-cum-residence of assistance engineer, IPH sub-division, Bagachanogi.

He also laid the stones of buildings of GSSS-Bagachanogi, Dharwarthach and Shiwakuther and forest inspection huts at Bhatkidhar and Spehnidhar. Forest interpretation centre at Shattadhar, government sericulture centre at Bagachanogi are also proposed.

The CM announced to open a health centre at Kanu, upgrade of middle school, Kanu, to high school and an ayurvedic dispensary at Jashla. He announced that the work on the PHC building at Shilli Bagi, Dharwa Thach and Kalni would be started soon. He also announced Rs 40 lakh for the construction of examination hall in Bagachanogi school, PWD rest house at Bagachanogi and inspection hut at Kalani.

CM opens hospital building in Seraj

• He announced a sub-tehsil for Bagachanogi in Seraj
• Inaugurated the building of Primary Health Centre-Bagachanogi and lift water supply scheme for Sarachi, Khanwachi, Baggi Khudagi, DFP Funjar, Kuklah in Kalhani Gram Panchayat
• Laid foundation stones of an inspection hut of the IPH Department and building of school at Bhakidhar 
• Announced a health centre at Kanu, upgrade of middle school, Kanu, to high school and an ayurvedic dispensary at Jashla
• PWD rest house at Bagachanogi and inspection hut at Kalani were also announced