Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Apr: Renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar met Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami here today. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on developing Uttarakhand as a leading destination for film production, attracting investment, and promoting the state’s cultural identity on a global platform.
The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand, with its unique natural beauty, diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful environment, is highly suitable for film production. The state government’s clear objective is to make Uttarakhand the first choice for filmmakers from across India and abroad, and to establish it as a strong film shooting hub.
He highlighted that, under the state’s modern and industry-friendly film policy, filmmakers are being provided attractive subsidies, tax exemptions, and various facilities. Additionally, a single-window system has been implemented to make all shooting-related permissions simple, transparent, and time-bound, significantly easing the filmmaking process.
The Chief Minister noted that extensive efforts have already been made to promote the film industry in Uttarakhand. Numerous Hindi films, regional films, TV serials, and web series have been successfully shot in the state, making it one of the fastest-emerging film production destinations in the country. The scenic valleys, lakes, religious sites, and historical locations of Uttarakhand continue to attract filmmakers.
He also mentioned that Uttarakhand has received the national award for “Most Film Friendly State”, which reflects the success of the state’s policies and systems in creating a conducive environment for the film industry.
The Chief Minister added that infrastructure for film shooting is being continuously strengthened. A location bank has been developed across various districts, featuring mountains, lakes, forests, historical sites, and religious destinations, providing filmmakers with diverse and attractive options on a single platform.
He emphasised that the film industry is creating new employment opportunities for local youth. Special efforts are being made to connect local artists, technicians, and young people with the filmmaking process. Training programmes related to film and media are also being promoted to help youth build careers in this field.
Dhami further stated that work is underway toward developing a film city in Uttarakhand, which will enable the entire filmmaking process to be carried out within the state. Film festivals and cultural events are also being encouraged to strengthen Uttarakhand’s identity at national and international levels.
On this occasion, Madhur Bhandarkar praised Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and favourable environment, noting its immense potential for film production. He also appreciated the state government’s efforts to promote the film industry and expressed his interest in undertaking film shooting in Uttarakhand in the future.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these initiatives will not only strengthen the state’s economy but also take tourism to new heights. He reiterated that the Uttarakhand government is fully committed to providing all possible support to filmmakers.
