J&K CM Omar Abdullah meets Mirzapur stars at Srinagar film festival
CM Omar Abdullah met Mirzapur actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyendu at the J&K International Film Festival in Srinagar, discussing roles, culture and film policy.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyendu on Tuesday at the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. The interaction, which touched on cinema, local culture and the future of filmmaking in the region, drew attention to the festival's broader goals.
During the conversation, Divyendu expressed a desire to play a local character from Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was time for films to portray the region's people and culture authentically rather than using it merely as a scenic backdrop for songs. "It's high time to portray the characters and culture of Kashmir in the movies," he said.
In a lighter moment, Omar Abdullah quipped that he would like to see Pankaj Tripathi in a romantic role instead of the violent characters he is known for in films like 'Mirzapur' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. "I wish to see Pankaj Tripathi in a role which doesn't promote violence and abuse," the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister had inaugurated the first edition of the festival on Monday, felicitating veteran filmmakers including Ramesh Sippy, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sriram Raghavan and Santosh Sivan. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the new Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, which offers financial subsidies and incentives to productions that shoot in the region.
"We offer substantial financial subsidies for filmmakers who shoot in J&K," Omar Abdullah said, adding that direct financial support is linked to shooting days and local expenditure. He also urged filmmakers to hire local artists, technicians and crew members, noting that additional incentives are available for films that feature local talent or highlight the region's heritage.
"We are treating cinema not merely as entertainment but as an official industry," he said, adding that the region is "open, safe, vibrant, and eager to welcome your crews."
The festival, supported by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Department of Information and Public Relations, will conclude on September 10.