A Kashmir terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists. Often referred to as India’s Mini Switzerland, Pahalgam had earned fame as the Crown Jewel of Kashmir and served as one of Bollywood’s favourite storytelling locations.
For years, people considered Anantnag, or Pahalgam, an oasis of peace, even during the worst chapters of Kashmir’s history. Bollywood over the years rekindled its once -flourishing relationship with the beautiful valley.
For thousands of shopkeepers, a bustling main bazaar of Pahalgam terror attack was a livelihood which depended on the tourism and Bollywood film shootings. This tragedy will bring an economic devastation.
Right from the love story of Betaab the debut film of Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, directed by Rahul Rawail, a romance of two young lovers was set against the backdrop of lush green meadows with Pine forests at the snow-clad mountains and peaks. In fact the guides would proudly tell the tourists that this is the Betaab love story spot that left an indelible mark of the location. Hence the Valley is known better as “Betaab Valley’ a name now officially marked on the tourist map of Jammu and Kashmir. The Betaab Valley is one of the most popular tourist spots where both film crews and tourists flock every year for the best photography at the valley.
That was the Golden Era of Filming In the Crown Jewel Picturesque Kashmir
Following the success of Betaab, many filmmakers turned their lens towards Kashmir. Films like Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964 starring Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore had also captured the beauty of the Dal Lake and Pahalgam’s beauty. Post Betaab, the era marked a quick rise in big-budget productions that chose the Kashmir valley for their sets.
Between 1960 and 1980, Kashmir was the hub for Bollywood film shootings for its breathtaking landscapes. The films Kashmir Ki Kali, Arzoo, Jab Jab Phool Khile, and Kabhi Kabhi featured the splendour of the Dal Lake or the lush meadows with the snow-capped mountains and the snow-kissed pine forests.
The grandeur of Kashmir captured the romance in classic films like Silsila, Kabhi Kabhi, Satte Pe Satta and Roti.
A break in the beautiful romance between Bollywood and Kashmir
After 1990, when militancy surged in Kashmir and made areas like Anantnag, Pulwama, and Sopore unsafe, Bollywood filmmakers pulled back their shooting plans and chose not to risk filming in any region. The tide began to turn after 28 years when Kashmir was once again on the silver screen with director’ Imtiaz Ali who decided to shoot Rockstar in 2011 with Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri at the famous Betaab Valley. Since Betaab Valley had already earned fame, Imtiaz Ali brought Kashmir back into the cinematic folds and soon other filmmakers followed to discover the magic of the valley.
Shah Rukh Khan filmed Jab Tak Hain Jaan in Pahalgam in 2012. The romantic track Jiya Re was shot against the stunning Betaab Valley. Yash Chopra’s films showcased Kashmir’s pristine beauty, reviving it as a popular film destination.
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone filmed Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in Pahalgam and Gulmarg in freezing 6.7°C weather.
Bollywood’s Return to Kashmir: How Films Revived Pahalgam’s Spirit and Economy
Filmmakers shot Fitoor in Kashmir in 2014, amidst the devastating floods. They filmed around Srinagar’s Dal Lake and Pahalgam’s green meadows.
In the same year, they shot Alia Bhatt’s Highway in the Aru Valley in Pahalgam. The film, released in 2015, focused on freedom and escape. The Kashmir landscape served as a metaphor for the hero’s emotional journey.
Director Vishal Bharadwaj also filmed Haider in 2014 in Pahalgam and other parts of the Kashmir valleys. In 2015, Bajrangi Bhaijaan won the hearts of the audience across the nation.
Bollywood films boosted Kashmir’s popularity, economy, and image, creating new opportunities and growth in the region.
The Pahalgam Terror shook up the Safe Haven
A recent attack in Pahalgam has caused a humanitarian tragedy, impacting the area’s safety and normalcy.
Ground Zero happens to be the last of the Bollywood films shot in Kashmir. Ironically, the film is on the killing of a terrorist Ghazi Baba. Starring Emraan Hashmi and Sai Tamhankar, the film wrapped up the shooting a few days before the attack.
Film actor Madhavan has cancelled all film-related events to be held in Pahalgam. Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal won’t release in India as a mark of respect after the Pahalgam terror attack.
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