Uttarakhand registers strong presence at FICCI FRAMES
Proactive measures need to be put in place to launch Uttarakhand formally on the Bollywood firmament and showcase its breathtakingly beautiful locales. In this regard Doon based Uttarakhand Film Producers ‘Enchanting Himalaya’, an initiative by Doonites to promote Uttarakhand amongst filmmakers, both national and international level, was formally launched in Mumbai on Wednesday the 12th of March.
This year Uttarakhand’s presence at FICCI FRAMES loomed large with the ‘Enchanting Himalaya’ stall acting as a touch point with some of Bollywood’s leading actors and directors. They were invited by the Enchanting Himalaya team to opt for Uttarakhand as a shooting destination.
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra of ‘Rang De Basanti’ and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ expressed his keenness to consider some places in Uttarakhand for his future ventures.
The celebrated director of some wonderful movies ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’, ‘Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin’, Sudhir Mishra wanted to know what facilities were in place in the state he enquired about the weather conditions in May-June when he intends to shoot.
Veteran actress Himani Shivpuri applauded Enchanting Himalaya for its initiative of promoting Uttarakhand amongst filmmakers. She spent considerable time at the stall to the utter delight of her fans. She expressed her solidarity with the cause.
UTV honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur too promised to look at the possibility of choosing Uttarakhand for shooting purposes.
The producer Guneet Monga riding high on the success of films such as ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai’, ‘Lunch Box’ visited the stall and was open to the idea of shooting in Uttarakhand.
Bhushan Sharma whose two films are slated for release this summer expressed that Uttarakhand was a good option which could be advantageous to filmmakers.
One major query of most filmmakers was weather a policy had put in place by the state government. Availability of shooting equipments and state of infrastructure were major issues for them.
The star attraction on the day was Kajol. Earlier, Sonam Kapoor was present at the inaugural session.
A commemorative booklet ‘Picture uttarakhand 2014′ was released on the occasion and distributed amongst the film fraternity, visitors and guests at The Renaissance Hotel, Powai, Mumbai which was the venue for the big event.
According to Satish Sharma, MD of Uttarakhand Film Producers ‘Enchanting Himalaya’, “Positive results accrue when they are part of a collective effort. I hope in the future diverse elements, including the government can come together to provide professional help to the world of films, and help the world become a more entertaining place and also provide impetus to the economics of small wonderful places such as those found in abundance in our state”.
“Post Uttarakhand floods if filmmakers choose to come to the state, tourism is bound to get a major boost”, he added.
