Celebrating Teacher’s Day In Bollywood Style
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Celebrating Teacher’s Day In Bollywood Style

Teachers’ Day is more than an official recognition of those teachers who lead us through school. It is the day when we realise just how deeply teachers impact our lives, not just with textbooks but with life lessons, acts of kindness, and inspiration. And if you are anything like me, sometimes those teachers come not just in classrooms but on the big screen through some of the most unforgettable Bollywood characters. Bollywood, over time, has gifted us with films with the role of teachers whose wisdom, passion, and less-than-conventional ways have shaped lives far beyond the confines of the blackboard. This Teacher’s Day, take a trip down memory lane and experience once again with us some of the iconic on-screen mentors who taught us the biggest lessons in life.  Ram Shankar Nikumbh in Taare Zameen Par (2007) And who can forget Aamir Khan as Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the Art teacher, when he stole our hearts by helping the dyslexic child, Ishaan? Nikumbh showed us that teaching goes beyond academics; it’s about seeing the child beyond his grades. His compassionate method touches the chord, reminding us that education should be customised to every single individual since everyone has his or her own special gift. Lesson to be learnt in life: Every child is special, and the potential needs to be nurtured by a teacher in his or her own way. Debraj Sahai in Black (2005) Debraj Sahai (played by Amitabh Bachchan) is one of those teachers whom we hardly get to meet but always wish we had. Determined and stubborn, Debraj pushes Michelle, the deaf and blind girl, to communicate with the world. His methods were definitely unconventional at times, even harsh; it broke barriers, freeing her potential. Of course, it reminded us that teaching is about persistence, passion, and going beyond conventional means to truly change lives. Lesson in Life: True teaching is all about pushing the bars and helping the students overcome their limitations. Rahul Prakash Udyavar in Paathshaala (2010) Shahid Kapoor is the protagonist, Rahul, who teaches by profession and not only limits himself to his curriculum. He fights for his students’ rights in a commercialised education-run school. Rahul fights for young souls whose well-being gets overtaken by increasing commercialization of education. Life Lesson: A true teacher fights for his pupils beyond flawed system constraints. Raj Aryan Malhotra in Mohabbatein (2000) While Mohabbatein is essentially a love story, Shah Rukh Khan as Raj Aryan is that teacher who taught his students to embrace life, passion, and love. He broke the rigid boundaries drawn by Narayan Shankar-Amitabh Bachchan and taught them that life was not all about rules and regulations but about living it with joy, pursuing their dreams, and following the heart. Life lesson to learn: The teacher can provide the spark that reminds one that life must be lived to the fullest. Naina Mathur in Hichki (2018) Rani Mukerji essays Naina Mathur, a teacher with Tourette syndrome, so convincingly that the audience feels sure her character is definitely one who shines as an inspiration. Naina proved there is no hurdle big enough if someone is convinced about her dream. First, she fought not only her struggles but the doubts of people around her. However, when she believed in her students, even those whom others had given up on, she showed that a teacher’s belief in her pupils could change lives. Lessons learnt in life: It is not our challenges that define us, but the ability to rise above them with determination and belief. Chandni in Main Hoon Na-2004 Sushmita Sen as the glamorous chemistry teacher, Chandni, might not have fought against social issues or educated people for educational reformation; the impact she created is indelible in our minds. Sometimes, in our blinded, prejudiced view, we forget that teachers are also human beings; they too have lives, personalities, and passions. Chandni’s character proved that teachers could be fun, approachable, and an inspiration. Lesson being learnt in life: Teachers can be cool too! They are not just educators but a little more human personalities touching the lives of their students in the classrooms. Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Virus) and Rancho in 3 Idiots (2009) Probably no other movie captures the struggle for the meaning of education as does 3 Idiots. Virus, by Boman Irani, is the embodiment of the traditional teaching system grade-oriented, while Rancho, by Aamir Khan, brings a refreshing foil to it. Rancho urges learning out of curiosity and for its own joy rather than compulsion to succeed. Indeed, his message was simple yet profound: pursue excellence, and success would follow. Lesson learnt in life: Success is not something to be pursued; excellence is. Success comes looking for you when you pursue excellence. Dr. Jehangir Khan in Dear Zindagi (2016) Shah Rukh Khan is not the quintessential class teacher in Dear Zindagi. He essays the role of a therapist, coaching Kaira, played by Alia Bhatt, through life’s ups and downs. The tender counselling of Dr. Khan teaches her to take her flaws in stride and look after her mental health. He doesn’t give her ready-made answers but knows how to make her realise that all the answers she needs are within herself. Life lesson: And that’s all right, for now it’s okay; maybe you don’t know exactly what’s going on. Take your time, understand those imperfections, and surrender to the process. These Bollywood teachers remind us that the role of a teacher goes way beyond the curriculum. Whether urging their students to push their limits, encouraging them to follow their dreams, or just being there each time guidance is sought, it’s teachers (real and fictional) who shape who we are.   Let this Teachers’ Day be a celebration of those teachers who taught us to see the world just a little differently and those on the silver screen who did precisely that. To those mentors who may not exactly teach lessons but leave behind wisdom long after the final school bell has rung. Happy Teachers’ Day!

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How India’s Regional Cinema Is Breaking Boundaries
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How India’s Regional Cinema Is Breaking Boundaries

The cinema in India is one of the most diversified and vibrant cinemas in the cinematic world. Regional cinema took place at center stage in its new narrative. Even though Bollywood is touted as the face of Indian cinema on the world platform, regional cinema silently changed the film scenario of India. Regional films produced in languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, and Punjabi are successful on home turf and making waves across the global circuit. This paper discusses how regional cinema from India is breaking barriers and changing the face of storytelling with more viewership gained.  Evolution of Regional Cinema Regional cinema in India generally remained and worked within its linguistic and cultural boundaries. It was oriented basically toward local stories and themes aimed at regional audiences. Regional cinema has changed dramatically over the past decade. With technological advancement, the rise of streaming platforms, and a much larger appetite for diverse narratives, regional films started crossing their local roots and reaching beyond traditional markets. Stereotype Challenging and Narrative Expansion One of the most engaging factors of regional cinema is its potential for shattering stereotypes and opening up diversified subjects which most mainstream Bollywood films are failing to show. Regional filmmakers are now going beyond set plot outlines and presenting some refreshing and subtle insights into several social issues. If one looks closely, different regional cinemas are making waves:  Malayalam cinema: What differentiates Malayalam cinema is the tincture with a dosage of realism and subtle method of narration. Most movies often pick up some complex issues, veritably, and try to give them a down-to-earth interpretation. Beginning from Kumbalangi Nights, which gave a fresh perspective on family, masculinity, and relationships, The Great Indian Kitchen critiques traditional gender roles and domestic expectations. Tamil Cinema: Since its very inception, Tamil cinema has never failed to carry a social or political message. From a lot of recent times, flicks such as Jai Bhim do bring up issues of caste discrimination and legal injustice right at the fore, gaining both critical and international acclaim. Telugu Cinema: The Telugu film industry has turned over a new leaf with this new wave of films, assimilating the best of traditional storylines with modern sensibilities. Movies such as RRR (2022) and Pushpa (2021) have brilliant production values and interesting storylines, with larger-than-life visuals that captured the Indian audience’s imagination and received accolades the world over. These films blend historical and mythological themes with modern methods of narration to offer a diverse cinematic experience—viz., an appeal to all audiences.  Tapping into Technology and Global Platforms Regional cinema found its turnaround in the digital age. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar became indispensable in giving regional films a far-reaching audience. These are international windows for films that otherwise could not have been distributed internationally. For example, Sardar Udham (2021) and Super Deluxe (2019) found a way to spread their fine storytelling and cinematography across borders, showing the wealth of regional cinema. Cross-Cultural Collaborations There has been an increased development of cross-cultural collaborations in Indian cinema over the past two years. Regional film industries started working with each other; remakes/adaptations of movies happened across languages. This brought in an exchange of ideas, and regional cinema has been refreshed. It celebrates authentic voices Regional cinema is more elaborate and authentic in celebrating the local culture, traditions, and languages than the mainstream ever can. That depth given to the local stories and voices in regional films is a much truer representation of India’s divergent cultural landscape. It is this kind of authenticity that would provide an appropriate feel among audiences and help in preserving the unique cultural heritage of the different regions. Regional Cinema – The Future Ahead The impact on the cinematic world at large is also gigantic with the regional cinema developing at a large scale. The fact that regional films are getting recognized at international forums for their strength to voice out some very critical issues in society does augur well for the future. Regional cinema will thus challenge the status quo, definitely give way to newer ways of telling stories, and find a big space in the global film landscape. It quickly breaks barriers when it comes to bringing new perspectives and challenging stereotypes, extending its reach through technology and global platforms. Besides making the experience of Indian cinema richer by focusing on the telling of real stories and honest representation, regional cinema is also leaving long-lasting impressions globally. Given regional cinema never stops experimenting and crossing boundaries, the frontline in shaping the future as far as the narration of stories through cinema is concerned shall certainly be held by it.

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Your Guide To Making A Short Film
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Your Guide To Making A Short Film

Filmmaking allures very many people. It is captivating a story on screen and sharing it with the world. That is powerful, especially if you are an emerging filmmaker. It looks overwhelming, right? Fear not, aspiring auteurs! Making a short film is a great way to flex your skills and bring your creative vision to life without shelling out truckloads of cash in the name of a Hollywood budget. So whip out your phones (or camera if you happen to have one!), get together with your crew (or push your friends to do some stuff), and let’s go!  Step 1: Brainstorming Your Big Idea for making Short Film Every great movie starts with that tiny spark. It could be a burning personal story, a pretty way-out question, or something. The idea is to sift through some of the online short film festivals or see the content they host on YouTube to start off with your idea. Here are some tips that will help you in the development of your concept: Less Is More: Your first must be a story that can be effectively told in the time you have; it should be shorter than 15 minutes. That will bring so much focus into it without getting lost in heavy plot lines. Aim for just one emotion: There is only one feeling that audiences should leave with after watching your movies. Make a determination about what that is. Do you make them laugh? Cry? Do they leave with deep thoughts to ponder on? Pick an emotion and shape the story to fit that emotion. Look at the resources: Be honest about the kinds of things you can do with the team and equipment you have at your disposal. Probably the winning bet isn’t a science fiction epic with dozens of special effects. Step 2: Scriptwriting—By now you should have the blueprint of your film. Next, with a good concept solidified, you want to write out a script. This doesn’t necessarily need to be some sort of Hollywood blockbuster, but it should definitely explain your key visuals, dialogue, and actions your film describes. Here are some resources to help you on your first script writing experience:  Free online screenplay software: Celtx, Writer Duet Examples of short film scripts: https://thescriptlab.com/ Step 3: Pre-Production—Planning Makes Perfect You now have a script; it’s time generally to get organized. Pre-production usually is planned for everything related to your shoot, from scheduling to logistics. become this Storyboarding: Actually draw actual scenes to create the shot list, which lets you know what camera angles to plan on. Location Scouting: Look for the locations that will be the ideal settings to film in. Make sure you have permission if you are filming on private property. Casting: Unless you do not require actors in your film, then hold auditions or ask your friends to help you. Equipment: Decide what kind of camera you will be using and all other equipment  you will need. Step 4: Production—Lights, Camera, Action! Get to work! Once you are on location, keep in mind the following steps to record the magic: Communicate: Express your vision with your group, your buddies, or maybe seasoned professionals. Give each member specific roles and tell what you want from that individual.  Learn to Work with the Unexpected: In filmmaking, rarely does anything happen as planned. Be ready to improvise and advance from a mistake. Safety First: Be personally concerned with your safety and the safety of those around you, especially in places where you will be shooting for the first time. Step 5: Post-Production:  And finally here is the magic—the after-production, which turns your raw footage into a professional movie. And here is what you should do: Take your clips and glue them together using video editing software. There are plenty of free ones out there; add background music with sound effects and color grade them. Now, get some feedback from trusted friends, or get them from film communities that can help you polish up. Step 6: Share Your Work with the World! Congratulations, you’ve created a short film. Now you must get it out there. Submit your film to online festivals, share it on social media websites, or organize a local screening for family and friends. Interact with filmmaking communities and work upon the feedback they give. Bonus Pointers: Learn from the Best: Study the classic short films and see where they succeed. It’s free – there are loads of free online tutorials and guides that can help you learn all aspects of filmmaking.  Most importantly: enjoy! Filmmaking is a creative journey. Enjoy the process, experiment, and keep making films! The more films you make, the more comfortable the process will feel, allowing your skills to come into development.

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Unveiling The Differences Between Books And Screenplays
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Unveiling The Differences Between Books And Screenplays

Books and screenplays, though both serving as vessels for storytelling, exist in distinct universes. While a novel paints vivid pictures with words, a screenplay acts as a blueprint for a visual experience. Understanding these differences is crucial for both readers and aspiring creators. Books and Screenplays:  A key distinction lies in structure. Novels enjoy a flexible format. They can sprawl across hundreds of pages, delving deep into intricate plotlines and character motivations. Authors have the freedom to weave in flashbacks, internal monologues, and sprawling descriptions. Screenplays, on the other hand, are concise. Feature films typically run between 90-120 minutes, demanding a tight structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Scenes are king, propelling the story forward with minimal exposition. Show, Don’t Tell: The Power of Visuals Screenplays are inherently visual. They rely on action and dialogue to convey the story. A character’s internal world is hinted at through expressions, actions, and subtle details. The writer paints a picture with words, not for the reader to imagine the setting, but for the director and actors to interpret and bring to life. In contrast, novels delve into the characters’ inner lives. Authors have the power to explore their thoughts, emotions, and motivations in rich detail. This allows for a deeper emotional connection between reader and character. Collaboration vs. Solo Act The journey from screenplay to film is a collaborative effort. The screenwriter lays the groundwork, but the director, actors, and other creatives breathe life into the story. The final product may deviate from the initial vision, as each collaborator brings their own interpretation. Novels are a solitary creation. The author has complete control over the narrative voice, pacing, and character development. The reader experiences the story exactly as the author intended. The Allure of Pacing: A Marathon or a Sprint? Pacing is another differentiating factor. Novels can afford a leisurely pace, allowing readers to savor the journey. Authors can build suspense, introduce complex subplots, and meticulously develop characters. Screenplays, however, are fast-paced. Every scene needs to advance the plot or reveal something crucial. There’s little room for meandering or in-depth character introspection. A Universe of Voices: Narration Takes Center Stage One of the most captivating aspects of novels is narration. The author can choose a first-person perspective, placing the reader directly in the protagonist’s mind, or adopt a third-person omniscient view, offering a broader perspective. This allows for a nuanced exploration of characters and their motivations. Screenplays lack a distinct narrative voice. Dialogue and action descriptions drive the story forward.  The Power of Description: Painting a World with Words Authors wield the power of description. They can transport readers to faraway lands, paint vivid pictures of characters, and create an atmosphere thick with tension or anticipation. This descriptive prowess allows for a deeper emotional connection to the story and its characters. Screenplays offer minimal descriptions. They focus on setting the scene with essential details for the director and production team. The focus is on what the audience will see and hear, not elaborate descriptions that may not translate well to the screen. Choosing Your Weapon: When to Opt for a Book or Screenplay The choice between a book and a screenplay often hinges on the story itself. If the narrative thrives on internal monologues, complex world-building, and intricate character development, a novel might be the better fit. Stories that are action-driven, dialogue-heavy, and visually stimulating may lend themselves more naturally to the screenplay format. A Bridge Between Two Worlds: The Art of Adaptation The gap between books and screenplays can be bridged through adaptation. Many beloved films are based on novels. However, the adaptation process requires careful consideration. Subplots may be cut, characters combined, and entire sections rewritten to fit the constraints of a screenplay. The Allure of Genre: Finding the Perfect Fit Genre conventions also influence the choice between book and screenplay. Science fiction and fantasy novels often thrive on detailed world-building, which can be expensive and time-consuming to translate to film. Conversely, action-adventure stories with clear goals and external conflicts may find a natural home on the screen. The Future of Storytelling: Embracing New Formats The landscape of storytelling continues to evolve. The rise of audiobooks and graphic novels offer unique experiences that blend elements of both books and screenplays. Additionally, interactive fiction and choose-your-own-adventure stories blur the lines between reader and creator. Conclusion: A Celebration of Storytelling Books and screenplays, though distinct, share a common goal: to tell captivating stories. Understanding their differences allows readers and aspiring creators to appreciate the unique strengths of each medium. Whether you prefer the immersive world of a novel or the fast-paced thrill of a film, both books and screenplays offer a gateway to endless possibilities for storytelling.

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A Millennial Journey of Indian Film Industry
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A Millennial Journey of Indian Film Industry

The Indian film industry, a dazzling kaleidoscope of song, dance, drama, and action, enthralls audiences not just in India but across the world. Often misconstrued as solely Bollywood, which is the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, Indian cinema boasts a rich tapestry woven with diverse regional productions. This cinematic giant has a history as captivating as the stories it tells, a journey that began with a flicker of silent film over a century ago. Indian Film Industry and the Dawn of Celluloid Dreams (1913): The year is 1913. Dadasaheb Phalke, a visionary filmmaker driven by a passion for storytelling, unveils his groundbreaking creation – Raja Harishchandra. This silent film, based on the legendary king renowned for his unwavering truthfulness, is widely regarded as the first full-length feature film made in India. Though there’s debate regarding an even earlier film, Shree Pundalik (1912), Raja Harishchandra’s impact is undeniable. Using Marathi and English intertitles to bridge the narrative gap, the film laid the foundation for the storytelling magic that would become synonymous with Indian cinema. Silent Screens and Thespian Expressions (1913-1930s): The nascent years of Indian cinema, fondly referred to as the Silent Era, were dominated by mythological and historical tales. The absence of sound placed immense emphasis on visual storytelling. Actors relied heavily on facial expressions, body language, and dramatic gestures to convey emotions. These silent features often employed innovative techniques like dramatic close-ups, parallel editing, and symbolism to weave a narrative tapestry. Films like Dadasaheb Phalke’s “Sairandhri” (1912) and “Mohini Bhasmasur” (1913) showcased the power of silent storytelling, laying the groundwork for the future. The Talkies Arrive and Melodies Take Flight (1930s-1950s): The arrival of sound in the 1930s revolutionized Indian cinema. The ability to incorporate spoken dialogue, music, and sound effects opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Musical numbers became an integral part of the narrative, creating a unique blend of storytelling and song that would become a defining characteristic of Indian films. Pioneering filmmakers like Ardeshir Irani and Abdur Rashid Kardar experimented with sound technology, while legendary singers like K.L. Saigal and playback singing gave birth to a new wave of stars.  The Golden Age: Where Legends Were Made (1950s-1970s): This era is considered the pinnacle of Hindi cinema, a time when the industry witnessed an unparalleled flourishing of creativity and talent. Iconic filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, known for his poignant neo-realistic masterpieces like “Pather Panchali” (1955) and “Aparajito” (1956), emerged. Superstars like Dilip Kumar, the brooding “Tragedy King,” and Raj Kapoor, the charming “Showman,” captivated audiences with their charismatic performances. Themes explored family dramas (“Mughal-e-Azam,” 1960), social issues (“Mother India,” 1957), and love stories (“Guide,” 1965), all interwoven with lavish sets, unforgettable songs by legendary music directors like Shankar-Jaikishan and R.D. Burman, and larger-than-life characters.  The Masala Flicks: A Potpourri of Entertainment (1970s-1990s): The 1970s ushered in a new era with the rise of “masala films.” This term aptly describes a genre that blends action, romance, comedy, drama, and musical extravaganzas into a heady cocktail. Amitabh Bachchan, with his intense persona, became the iconic “angry young man” of Indian cinema, reflecting the social unrest of the times. Films like “Zanjeer” (1973) and “Deewaar” (1975) explored themes of revenge, corruption, and social justice, resonating with a disillusioned audience. The era also saw the rise of multi-starrer extravaganzas like “Sholay” (1975) and “Kabhie Kabhie” (1976), which redefined the concept of commercial cinema.  Winds of Change: The New Wave and Beyond (1990s-Present): The 1990s witnessed a significant shift in Indian cinema. Audiences craved a more realistic and contemporary portrayal of life. Independent filmmakers like Mani Ratnam (“Dil Se..” 1999), Shekhar Kapur (“Bandit Queen,” 1994), and Mira Nair (“Salaam Bombay!,” 1988) emerged, tackling complex social issues like caste, gender inequality, and poverty. This “New Wave” cinema challenged the conventions of mainstream Bollywood and garnered international acclaim. The 21st century has seen the Indian film industry embrace a dynamic and diverse landscape. Technological advancements have revolutionized filmmaking, with special effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI) finding their place in mainstream cinema. Multiplexes have become the preferred mode of moviegoing, offering a premium viewing experience. Alongside the quintessential masala entertainers, a new wave of Bollywood films explores a wide range of genres, from coming-of-age stories (“Dangal,” 2016) to biopics (“Sanju,” 2018) and quirky comedies (“Piku,” 2015). The Future Unfolds: A Global Stage Awaits The Indian film industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Streaming platforms have opened new avenues for distribution and storytelling, with web series becoming increasingly popular. Indian cinema is increasingly finding a global audience, with films like “RRR” (2022) and “Baahubali” (2015) achieving international success.  Indian cinema will continue to entertain, inspire, and captivate audiences worldwide, its rich tapestry forever adding color to the global cinematic landscape.

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Bollywood Movies In Kashmir – Hotspots For Shooting
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Bollywood Movies In Kashmir – Hotspots For Shooting

Bollywood movies have always been a huge presenter for Kashmir’s beautiful valleys and serene locations to portray love, romance, thrillers, murder, and sadness. This place has some really amazing hotspots where several movies have been shot. Places such as Gulmarg, Pulwama, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and many such spots are the most commonly used ones for perfect movie camera shots. This place was a really a hot pick for directors in the olden days. And yes, those movies portrayed paradise in its best phase. This scenic hero of a place has been a fantasy for many writers and directors, not just today but even in historic times. Some Bollywood Movies Shot In Kashmir Movies like Kashmir Ki Kali, Junglee, Kabhi Kabhi, Silsila, and many more such golden movies. And after all these wonderful movies of the golden era, there was a small lag in going and getting the movies done in that wonderful place. But in the last 10 years, Indian movies have been taking their scenic captures in the valleys of paradise. Junglee (1961): One of the early movies that was shot in paradise, was Junglee. Shammi Kapoor and Saira Banu played the lead roles among the most amazing landscape of the valley. And who will forget the iconic song, “Chaahe koi mujhe junglee Kahe“.   Kashmir Ki Kali (1964): Who can forget the unforgettable melody of this movie. Sharmila Tagore and Shammi Kapoor played their roles in this wonderful and scenic movie, portraying the beauty of this place.   Kabhi Kabhi (1976): A melodramatic movie shot in the midst of snow and mountains in our lovely paradise. The movie had flashbacks and current generations from all the big stars like Amitabh Bacchan, Rakhi, Sashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Neetu Singh back in the day.   Roja (1992): This is a Marvel love-drama movie made by Mani Ratnam amidst the time when India and our neighboring country were having quite a tense time. And who can forget the song ‘Ye haseen waadiyan’ with amazing beauty of Kashmir and sould binding music of A.R. Rehman.   Dil Se (1998): Another Mani Ratnam’s directed movie with Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala in the movie. The movie was shot in the streets of Kashmir and the song ‘Satrangi re‘ shot in foregrounds of the snow covered mountains.       Mission Kashmir (2000): Another Hrithik Roshan marvel where the character takes a wrong turn and becomes a deadly extremist, who wants to destroy the man he looked up to as his father.   Lakshya (2004): Hrithik Roshan decides to become an Army Officer after being in dilemma forever. Preity Zinta being his love interest gives him guidance in the most unexpected ways.   Rockstar (2011): Ranbir Kapoor decides to become a rockstar and he ends up becoming one having a very peculiar journey towards it. Nargis Faqri looks astounding in the movie especially when scenes are shot in the paradise on earth! Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012): Late Director Yash Chopra’s last movie, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, was shot in Kashmir, Srinagar and Ladakh. The famous song, ‘Jiya re’ picturized on Anushka Sharma and Shahrukh khan was shot in the valley of this paradise. Yash Chopra loved this place with all his heart, especially during the Tulip Season. Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013): Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s blockbuster movie was shot in Betab Valley, Chandanwari, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Aru valley. The characters mention going to Manali in the script, but the Manali movie’s original shots were actually from Kashmir.   Haider (2014): Shahid Kapoor’s critically acclaimed movie Haider was shot in the regions of J & K, Naseem Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Martland Sun Temple and Sonmarg as well. Highway (2014): Another fabulous movie acted by Alia Bhatt, which was shot in the beautiful Aru valley. The view in the valley was breathtaking and Alia herself couldn’t help but praise the location. The movie also covered the places in Pahalgam where the scenes of Alia and Randeep Hooda were shot perfectly.   Phantom (2015): With Katrina Kaif and Saif Ali Khan in leading roles, this movie was shot in Gulmarg right in the middle of tourist visiting season. Gulmarg is very famous for its skiing activities and it is also a small hill station that fills everyone’s heart with its magnanimous mountain views and food. Bajrangi Bhaijan (2015): The super hit movie was shot amidst of the mesmerising locations of Kashmir Valley. Dense forest, green valley, snow-capped mountains, and many more places other than Mandawa Shekawati region, Attari Wagah Border, Sonamarg, and Zoji La.   Fitoor (2016): ‘Paradise on Earth’ was the choice of place for the shooting of this movie. Aditya Roy Kapoor and Katrina Kaif looked fabulous among the natural beauty of red chinars, Dal Lake, snow-covered landscapes, and green meadows. You can see some parts of Nishat Bagh and Srinagar in the movie. Raazi (2018): Everyone knows about Alia’s superhit film Raazi and it was shot right in the middle of the beautiful locations of Kashmir and its surrounding places as well. You can see the places from Srinagar, Jammu, and Srinagar. If you love the ‘paradise’ , this movie will surely make you fall in love again with that place.   Notebook (2019): The movie was entirely shot in the lap of paradise: the beautiful Dal Lake, the boats, and the serene look of the mountains on the horizon of the Dal Lake.   Shershaah (2021): Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani acted in the real life story based movie of Major Vikram Batra who was killed in the line of fight during Kargil war. the movie was shot in many places and some shots were taken in Pahalgam and Kashmir valley as well. Kashmir files (2023): The movie was shot in the middle of Mussoorie, Dehradun and Valleys of Kashmir. The movie full of drama, chaos and sadness, showed another phase of the beautiful place. Dunki (2023): Shahrukh Khan’s Dunki was also shot in many places of Kashmir, such as Srinagar,

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