News Kashmir Desk
Sargoshiyan has achieved the unique distinction of being first Bollywood film to be premiered in Srinagar and claims to have captured the soul and culture of Kashmir.
Pertinently, Imran started shooting Sargoshiyan in 2015 with the full support of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank and the Department of Tourism. The movie, which has been extensively shot in Kashmir, drew huge crowds and applause during its premiere.
Eminent personalities dawned the occasion. Member Parliament and Patron National Conference Dr Farooq Abdullah, Minister for Education Altaf Bukhari, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Asiya Naqash, J&K Bank Chairman & CEO Parvez Ahmad and top management of the bank attended the jampacked, impressive screening of the film in the jam-packed auditorium besides huge gathering of people from all walks of life including arts and media. It was the first Bollywood film to have got premiered in Kashmir.
Dr Farooq Abdullah spoke briefly after the screening of the film, wherein he talked about strong social values that existed in the State and hoped to regain those values as was screened in ‘Sargoshiyan’. He appreciated the film maker and the J&K Bank for producing such a wonderful film showcasing rich cultural values.
Commenting on the bank’s association in the film, Chairman Parvez Ahmad said, “J&K Bank got associated with ‘Sargoshiyan’ in the backdrop of being a responsible corporate citizen of the J&K.”
“It all happened when the film maker, Imran Khan approached us with the concept of the film which highlighted State’s ethos and Kashmiriyat. Besides, it presented an opportunity for the bank’s brand promotion and also bring fresh scenic places on the valley’s tourist map,” he added.
“Despite all odds ‘Sargoshiyan’ has successfully captured the unexplored beauty of the valley, for which I appreciate the will and commitment of the team. I hope that the movie does help in unburdening of the hugely skewed perception about this place in the country,” he further said.
“We are committed to support such projects which highlight, promote or add value to and at the same time strengthen our socio-economic and cultural fabric”, he added.
He thanked the ‘Sargoshiyan’ team especially to its Director-Producer Imran Khan, who, he said, is not only very good film maker but also a nice human being.
“I hope the film attracts and encourages nature lovers and tourists across the country to visit these new and safe destinations thereby boosting the tourism industry of Kashmir”, he added. He hoped that the film would encourage other film makers to shoot their projects in the scenic lap of Kashmir.
J&K Tourism department hosted the dinner for the premiere participants at Royal Springs Golf Course.
Pertinently, The film also features Sara Khan as a European photographer – who is in search of solace and visits the valley to delve deeper into its history. As Sara said, the film will be different from all other projects that have been released on Kashmir so far. “This film is going to be different. We are tapping the sensitivity and emotions. We are showing the story of Kasmir and not terrorism of Kashmir.”
Tom too referred to Sargoshian as a beautiful film and not a propaganda.
The film will be released on May 19 and be screened in around 500 theatres across India. The wait for the movie is much in Kashmir as well.
