Bollywood flick Sargoshiyan about Kashmir in last leg of production
Anupam Kher speaks in isolation, can’t generalize his views, say veteran actor Alok Nath
The upcoming Bollywood movie Sargoshiyan which is being shot extensively in Kashmir, has reached the last leg of its production.
The film’s lead actor and producer Imran Khan, along with veteran actor Alok Nath during a promotional event at the SKICC Wednesday said that their stay in the valley has changed their perception about the place.
The movie’s female lead, Sara Khan was also present during the press conference.
Nath, who has come back to the valley after more than two decades said that whatever happens in the valley is always blown out of proportion.
“As far as politics is considered, I am an outsider, a total outcast in that matter. And whatever is happening here (Kashmir), happens almost everywhere. Now here, if anything happens, even a small thing, it becomes huge. It shouldn’t happen. Whatever we had heard or read, this place is the total opposite of that. I found the place very normal. And the difference between when I first came here and now is that the infrastructure is better, the lifestyle is almost the same, “said Nath.
He also admitted that he is leaving with a heavy heart.
“I have come to Kashmir after two and half decades. Last time I was here, i was doing a film called Agni. Then in 1994, I was doing a serial with Imran called Tara and we came up to Patnitop. Now I am back and I can say that it was a happy, pleasurable and a calm trip. I really don’t want to go back so soon but I have other commitments too. But I am leaving with a heavy heart, “ said Nath.
Responding to a question about the views of another veteran Anupam Kher, Nath said that personal views cannot and shouldn’t be generalized.
“I can understand your situation. But it’s his personal view. He has his political bent, his own sensibilities and I think we cannot generalize that. I believe whatever he has said is in isolation. Also as far as I am concerned, I think an actor should stay away from politics. Also it’s the way he thinks. I cannot control that, “explained Nath, who is playing an important role in the upcoming movie.
The lead actor and producer of the film Imran Khan, also informed that during the NIT controversy, Nath had expressed concerns over coming to Kashmir. However, after speaking to Mehmood Shah, Director of Tourism, he finally came.
“When the NIT controversy happened it was played up a lot in the national media and Mr Nath called me up and asked me weather the shoot is going to take place or not. Do we have any plan B? I told him that this movie has to be made in Kashmir only. I told him that I can make you talk to someone who can assure you that nothing is wrong here. So Mehmood Shah, Director, Tourism spoke to him and now here he is in front you all happy and comfortable, “said Khan.
Responding to a question whether he would take up a script about the politics of Kashmir, the lead of the movie Khan said that he believes that it’s ‘love and brotherhood’ which should be promoted rather than the negativities.
“I am here with the message of love and I believe in love. The political problems are everywhere in this world not just here. I think there are already so many problems in the world and instead of propagating them I think it’s better to spread the message of love and brotherhood, “said Khan.
The film’s female lead, Sara Khan also mentioned that whenever Kashmir is featured in a movie, people think that religion and politics will be involved, however; Sargoshiyan is special and simple story about relationships.
“Whenever there is a film about Kashmir, we think it would be about religion or the politics involved here. However, this film is one of the sweetest stories ever told. The special thing about this movie is that it’s a very simple story about relationships and how they grow in this beautiful valley. I hope Inshallah, more and more people from the industry will come here, “said Sara.
Touting Kashmir as the Switzerland of India, Sara thinks that Kashmir’s gates are once again open for filmmakers.
“I am extremely happy to be here in Kashmir. This is the Switzerland of India. In the 90’s Bollywood was here only. And now once again, the industry is coming back here. Films like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Haider and Bajrangi Bhaijaan were shot here and they have opened the gates for other filmmakers, “said Sara.
