Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani at launch of new film policy for Jammu & Kashmir

Manoj Sinha, lieutenant governor of the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, launched a film policy for the region, once a favourite shooting location for romantic Hindi films, with actor-producer Aamir Khan, filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and producer Mahaveer Jain in Srinagar yesterday.

'The idea is to make the state a shooting paradise by providing apt facilities and a secure environment for filmmakers,' a statement from the publicists for the event said.

Sinha's office shared on Twitter pictures from the event that took place last evening. “Among one of the best in the country, the new film policy will transform Jammu & Kashmir into the most preferred destination for the entertainment Industry, reviving J&K’s halcyon days of being a cinematographer’s delight and bringing back the golden era of film shooting in J&K,” Sinha said in the post.

Giving details about the policy, he added, “The government has set up a single-window clearance mechanism, prepared equipment, location and talent directories, and offered fiscal incentives for filmmakers coming to the UT. The new policy aims at maximizing the potential of promising local talent and creating livelihood opportunities for many.” 

Urging filmmakers to shoot in the picturesque Himalayan region, he said, “J&K is regaining its proud legacy of association with the world of cinema. I invite filmmakers from across the world to come to J&K and capture its pristine beauty through their lens. And avail of the host of fiscal incentives and world-class facilities offered by the J&K government.”

Sinha also gave news about Rajkumar Hirani’s son Vir making his filmmaking debut. “On this occasion, famous producer Mahaveer Jain has announced his next film to be shot in J&K, another web-series by the talented Vir Hirani,” he said.

Sinha had met Aamir Khan and his ex-wife Kiran Rao a week ago to discuss how to make the erstwhile state a favourite destination for filmmakers again.