Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jul 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged Bollywood to move beyond conflict-driven portrayals of Kashmir and instead showcase the Valley’s changing reality.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the of a function at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, Omar, per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Films have too often projected the region through gunfights, explosions and violence despite the situation having transformed over the years.”
He said, “Some filmmakers have distorted Kashmir’s image for propaganda or commercial gains. Some people misrepresent Kashmir. They glamorise violence and create a false picture only for propaganda. Some do it because they think it will help their films perform better, while others do it to please the powers that be.”
The Chief Minister, said it would be unfair to judge the entire film industry on that basis. “That doesn’t mean all of Bollywood is bad. There are many filmmakers who tell beautiful stories that connect people and celebrate humanity. We want more such films to be made in Kashmir,” he said.
Referring to movies shot in the Valley, Omar said many filmmakers use Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes but continue to portray it as a place consumed by violence.
“They shoot here but show the locations as somewhere else. And when they do show Kashmir, it is often only through gunfights, houseboat explosions and firing. Kashmir is no longer that place. The story of Kashmir has changed, and we want filmmakers to show that changed reality to the world,” he said.
CM Omar said the upcoming International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir aims to encourage authentic storytelling while giving long-overdue recognition to local talent.
“Our local filmmakers and documentary makers possess immense talent but rarely get a platform. That is why the festival will have a dedicated section and special awards for them so they can showcase their work before a wider audience,” he said.
He said the government hopes the festival will inspire filmmakers from across India and abroad to tell stories that capture the region’s beauty, culture and changing social landscape instead of relying solely on conflict narratives.
Responding to a question on the ongoing protests in New Delhi, CM Omar said the Centre should engage with the protesters rather than allow the situation to drag on.
“I think the Centre should talk to these youngsters. From what I have seen, this protest has gone beyond any one organisation. Many of those on the streets are ordinary young people expressing their anger. It is now for the Centre to decide how it wants to address their concerns,” he said—(KNO)
