Renowned music composer and Oscar winner AR Rahman has made a passionate appeal to Indian filmmakers to stop portraying Kashmir through the lens of violence and past conflicts. Speaking on the sidelines of the Jammu-Kashmir International Film Festival, the legendary musician stated that the time has come for Bollywood to turn the page and highlight the valley's serene beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and vibrant positivity. He emphasized that the film industry must move beyond old, painful memories so that the world can witness a fresh, breathtaking, and uplifting face of Kashmir.
Focusing on Scenic Beauty and Positive Atmosphere on Screen
During an interaction with media personnel at the Jammu-Kashmir International Film Festival, AR Rahman was asked whether Bollywood filmmakers should increase their shooting activities across Kashmir. Responding to the query, the composer expressed strong optimism about the region's future, remarking that the past is over and the upcoming days are exceptionally bright. Rahman noted that Kashmir is a unique destination whose natural splendor, tranquil environment, and positive vibes possess the power to inspire any artist, writer, or director to create new masterworks. He urged filmmakers to capture this natural serenity and positive energy on the silver screen.
Commercial Ad Shoot, Live Concert Hints, and New Projects
Reflecting on his current visit to the region, AR Rahman revealed that he had arrived in the valley to shoot a commercial advertisement, a project that has now been successfully wrapped up. The music maestro also dropped a major hint regarding his future plans in the state, revealing that he intends to host a grand live concert in Kashmir soon. He shared that discussions are actively underway regarding upcoming projects and collaborations with local musicians. Rahman expressed his eagerness to perform live on stage for his fans in Kashmir in the near future.
Nostalgia from Rockstar and Promoting Local Kashmiri Musicians
Shining a light on the rich musical tradition of Kashmir and praising its local vocalists, AR Rahman fondly recalled working on the musical score for the hit film 'Rockstar'. He shared how, during the music creation process of that film, he had recorded traditional folk songs performed by local Kashmiri women, which were subsequently integrated into the movie's soundtrack. The Academy Award-winning composer expressed great enthusiasm about collaborating with local Kashmiri talent once again, aiming to take the region's authentic traditional music to a global audience.
