AWANTIPORA: Shiva Nirvana, Director South Telugu Cinema has appealed to fellow Indian film makers for shooting films in Kashmir.
This he said on the sets of film Khushi here at the historic town of Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Shiva Nirvana, who is on a 30 day visit to Kashmir, has been shooting the south movie, Khushi, for the past 29 days.
The film features south stars Vijay Devarakunda and Samtha Ruthu Prabu in lead roles.
The film has been shot at Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Srinagar, Pampore and Awantipora area.
Talking to Kashmir Reader here at historic Awanteshvarman temple he told that Kushi is a love story movie.
” The film is a love story we wished to shoot in a beautiful place , initially when I decided to shoot in Kashmir , I had many doubts but once I reached, I shoot at different places including Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Srinagar, Awantipora and other places without any problem,” he said, adding that there was good support from public.
He told Kashmir Reader that anybody can come here and shoot here in a peaceful manner.
” Kashmir is a safest place, it is like your home town, the film makers all over India should come and explore its beauty,” he said.
He also added that many Kashmiri residents worked in the film.
” Around 200 people from Kashmir worked for the film, many kids and women were given roles and they were good in frames,” he said.
The film has been shot at Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Srinagar, Pampore and Awantipora.
Director South Indian Shiva Nirvana has already made three films including Ninu Kori, Majili and Tuck Jagadeesh.
Ninu Kori became very popular and was a hit.
Local residents who worked with the crew said that shooting films in Kashmir will generate employment avenues for Kashmiris.
A large number of people from different areas of Awantipora including women, elders turned up to witness the shooting of the film.
Lateef Ahmad Bhat Chairman Welfare Committee Awantipora told Kashmir Reader that shooting films in Kashmir will promote tourism and depict a true image of Kashmir.
He also said that shooting films will also give a boost to local economy.

BILAL HABIB