STATE TIMES NEWS JAMMU: Mesmerised by the beauty and secular ethos of the ‘City of Temples’, actor Imran Khan on Monday said that the Bollywood did ‘injustice’ to Jammu by neglecting it in the films. “Jammu is a beautiful destination and I have come across many unexplored and unseen locations during my visit,” Khan told a section of media persons here this evening during an interaction.
Khan is here in the town to promote his first production (Imran Khan Production), ‘Sargoshiyan’, (whispering)–a feature film based on travel story of a group of friends from Mumbai visiting to Jammu and Kashmir to explore hidden destinations. “I have seen unbelievable locations and scenic places in Kashmir but in Jammu too, I found, places which are untouched by the industry,” said Khan. Terming Jammu as ‘under-utilised’, the actor said that for people to outside world, Jammu only means visiting world famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine only but there are lot many destinations, which must be projected and shown to the people living across the globe. “I have a personal belief that Bollywood in 60s and 70s is responsible for neglecting this picturesque destination,” he asserted. “Apart from beautiful place, Jammu is also very economical and I have fallen in love with the place and would love to work on a project having authentic and impressive script,” said the actor.
Meanwhile, on ‘Sargoshiyan’, Khan said that he has shot 90 per cent of the movie in Jammu and Kashmir at scenic places like Tangmarg, Peer-ki-Gali, Shopian, Awantipora and the film will be released across the country in April this year. Thanking the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Department of Tourism for all support, the actor also lauded the people of Kashmir for cooperation.
On a question regarding controversy raked up with Kashmir based Zaira Khan, who acted in Aamir Khan starrer ‘Dangal’, the actor said, “We also have a child artist Zoya from Kashmir playing in the movie but I have kept my fingers crossed and wish that things will remain fine and not invite any unwanted controversy.” Khan also expressed concern over effect of demonetisation on the film industry hoping that everything will soon be on track.
He, however, said that in an era of commercialisation, producing feature film is a risk, adding, ”the content is good, theme is wonderful and I hope audience will love the film once it hit the silver screen.” Speaking over his upcoming debut movie, Khan said ‘Sargoshiyan’ is about brotherhood and resilience of Kashmiris. “There is no violence or politics in the film. It is all about human relationships,” Khan added.
He said most of the movies in Kashmir were shot at known places but he preferred little known destinations like Doodhpathri, Awantipora, Mughal Road, Aharbal Falls, Badpathar and many other lesser travelled exotic locations of Jammu and Kashmir giving the audience a chance to cherish what they had never seen before. Imran said, “Considering it as my first directorial venture shooting at remote beautiful villages of Kashmir would have been impossible without the help from J&K Tourism, J&K government and Army”.
Veteran actors like Alok Nath, Farida Jalal, Tom Alter and Shahbaz Khan, Sara Afreen Khan, Aditi Bhatia, Hasan Zaidi and Indraneil Sen Gupta are playing prominent roles in the film. ‘Sargoshiyan’ to be released under the banner of Imran Khan Productions is slated to release in March 2017. Pertinent to mention here that Imran Khan, who is currently seen in Beyhadh, has made his debut in 1991 with Rishi Kapoor in the film ‘Inteha Pyar ki’ and was also seen in strong character roles in movies like ‘Big Brother’, ‘Heroine’, Suryavansham, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, Hawa, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Kismat and many more.
