Srinagar, Sept 10 (JKNS): Mai Wapas Aaunga is set to premiere at INOX Srinagar during the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), as prominent film personalities highlighted Kashmir’s rich storytelling tradition, musical heritage and renewed opportunities for the local film fraternity.
Speaking at a joint media interaction at SKICC Srinagar as per news agency JKNS, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, actor-producer Sanjay Suri, playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, actor Vedang Raina and actress Sharvari spoke about their personal and professional connections with Kashmir and the potential for its stories to reach wider audiences.
Sanjay Suri said the return of a vibrant cinematic atmosphere to Kashmir after decades was significant for both the Valley and the film industry.
“After 25-30 years, seeing this atmosphere again is very special. Filmmakers are also saying that this is a place where people have started making films again,” Suri said.
He said Kashmir had numerous stories waiting to be explored, stressing that filmmakers needed to come to the region and connect with its people to tell them authentically.
“Cinema is a window to another world. Kashmir has so many stories. Until people come here and connect with these stories, they cannot be told,” he said.
Suri also called for greater awareness, marketing, workshops and institutional support, including the possibility of establishing a film school in Kashmir to help young people build careers in cinema.
Actor Vedang Raina said Kashmir held a special place in his heart as his family hails from Rainawari.
“I have not seen as much of Kashmir as I wanted to. Kashmir will always be home. My family is from Rainawari,” he said.
Playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, whose voice is associated with the popular Kashmiri song Bumro Bumro, recalled her connection with the song and said she felt fortunate to have been part of it.
“I feel lucky that I got the opportunity to sing ‘Bumro Bumro’,” she said.
Chauhan said she had long wanted to visit Kashmir and was struck by the experience after finally arriving in the Valley.
“I always dreamt of coming to Kashmir and, after so many years, I finally got the opportunity. After coming here, I realised the power of this place,” she said.
Describing Kashmir as “very deep”, Chauhan praised the warmth and hospitality she experienced during her visit and expressed her desire to return for a concert.
“I am waiting for the day when I can come here with my concert. I want to experience the energy here,” she said.
She also expressed interest in Kashmiri music and its lyrical traditions, saying the region’s musical heritage deserved deeper engagement.
Actress Sharvari said compelling stories could transcend linguistic boundaries and create opportunities for artistes.
“Stories are important. Language is not a barrier. Actors get opportunities through cinema, and this is a great opportunity,” she said.
The film personalities said Kashmir’s renewed engagement with cinema could open new avenues for local actors, filmmakers, musicians and young talent while helping bring stories from the Valley to wider audiences.
Mai Wapas Aaunga is scheduled to premiere at INOX Srinagar as part of the ongoing IFFJK. (JKNS)
