Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Aug 5: Kavinder Gupta, a senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, today endorsed the establishment of a vibrant and comprehensive film industry in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The former Deputy Chief Minister has endorsed this demand while speaking at the International Film Festival Jammu Kashmir 2023 held at the holy Town Katra today.
Prominent among those who graced the occasion included Dr. M A Mummigatti, president of Universal Film Markers Council; Gurvinder Kour, general secretary of Harman Cultural and Education Society, Suman Talwar, Bollywood actor, Yashpal Sharma Bollywood actor, Priti Sapru- Bollywood and Punjab actress, Leena K -Director NFDC, Ashok Gupta former IG, Dr Dushyant Chowdhary, Shashi Gupta, president Municipal Council Katra, Rakesh Wazir and Devender Kohli.
Kavinder Gupta, who was the chief guest, highlighted the revitalization of film culture in the region following the abrogation of Article 370 from the erstwhile State. He underscored that this pivotal development has rekindled the allure of Jammu and Kashmir as a favored destination for film shoots. Drawing parallels to the 1960s and 70s, when the region stood as a prominent hub for film production, he attributed this resurgence only due to the visionary policies of the Modi Government.
“With the prevailing peace in Jammu and Kashmir, we are witnessing a remarkable renaissance in the realm of filmmaking,” Kavinder said, adding that the era of the past, when our picturesque landscape was a preferred choice for filmmakers, is being rejuvenated. This transformation has been made possible by the sagacious policies implemented under the guidance of the Modi Government, he added.
Commending the Universal Film Makers Council and the Harman Cultural and Educational Society for their commendable efforts in organizing the International Film Festival Jammu Kashmir 2023, Kavinder emphasized the importance of such initiatives in providing fresh avenues for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir within the burgeoning film sector.