SRINAGAR: The prolonged dry winter in Kashmir is casting its shadow on the film industry as scores of films including Bollywood, promotional and wedding are getting deferred.
The Kashmir’s winter charm, characterized by its pristine snow-covered landscapes, has long been a sought-after setting for Bollywood and pre-wedding shoots.
Majority of the films for the last few years have been shot during winter in Kashmir given the charm of the valley that doubles after snowfall.
However, this winter has witnessed a departure from the norm, as the region grapples with a surprising lack of snowfall.
It has led to the deferment of scores of the shoots, which mostly include Bollywood, pre-wedding and promotional films.
Danish Khan, a line producer for Bollywood films in Kashmir, said that many of his scheduled shoots have been postponed due to the snowless winter.
“We are getting a number of queries from Bollywood about the weather situation in Kashmir. Many Bollywood shoots are scheduled for Kashmir during winter especially for snow. Since, it is a dry weather here without any traces of snow, shoots get either cancelled or deferred,” he said.
Khan, who has a production company named as ‘Hamiasto Productions’ said he had three projects in the pipeline for winters out of which two shifted to other locations.
“Winter beauty has helped a lot in film revival in Kashmir. Now, we wait for snowfall so that shooting doesn’t get impacted,” he said.
Peer Idrees, production manager of ‘Hamiasto Productions’ said the dry rivers too contribute to the postponement of film shooting in Kashmir.
“Some film procurements have now shifted to Russia to shoot snow sequences. Flowing rivers with snow capped mountains in the background provide an apt setting for Bollywood movies,” he said. Local film makers, who usually plan their schedules around the enchanting snow-covered scenery, are facing an unprecedented dilemma.
“I had three music videos and two pre-wedding shoots scheduled, which got cancelled. The ongoing dry spell has impacted the work of local filmmakers to a great extent,” said Mian Imad, a filmmaker and photographers who is famous as Imad Clicks(KNO)
