Panaji, Nov 22: Prominent Bollywood actor, director, and producer Anupam Kher said on Saturday that Kashmir is full of stories, and it is essential for Kashmiris to share their stories with the world outside. “There are numerous stories in Kashmir. Write your stories. Film your stories. And, tell your stories. It is important to take your stories to the world,” Kher said, talking exclusively to Greater Kashmir, at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Panaji in Goa.
“Creativity keeps you away from negativity,” he said. “Kashmir is a treasure trove of stories. There are a lot of stories that you can write, film, and tell. Today, everyone has a mobile phone. Your phone is your studio. Use them to tell your stories to the world outside.”
A recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian cinema and arts, as well as two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards for his acting performances, Kher appealed to youth living in small towns and villages across Kashmir to come forward and venture into the creative fields of arts and films.
Kher, who has acted in 549 films in a career spanning four decades, said, “Make films and make your own name. Send your films to IFFI. Actors, directors, and producers from all parts of the country and the world come to IFFI. They will recognise your talent.”
Known for his acting debut in Saaransh and roles in movies like Karma, Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Special 26, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and Khosla Ka Ghosla, Kher said, “Kashmir is such a beautiful place. You just place your camera, and the scenery in the background is breathtaking. I haven’t seen a more beautiful place in the world than Kashmir.”
Stressing that he has Kashmiri roots, Kher proudly speaks in the Kashmiri language, greeting with ‘Warai Chuke’ and ‘Garai Che Sarey Warey’ salutations, he said, “I am a Kashmiri whose family settled in Shimla.”
Kher’s three films – Tanvi the Great, The Bengal Files, and the Canadian film Calorie – have been selected for IFFI 2025.
“This is a matter of pride for me that my three films have been selected for IFFI this year,” he said.
This year, 270 films from 81 countries are being screened at IFFI, with Japan being the country of focus.
At least 124 new film creators from all over the country and abroad also got an opportunity to showcase their talent to the world through their content production and storytelling.
IFFI 2025 celebrates the theme ‘Convergence of Creativity and Technology’, and this year, for the first time, IFFI includes an AI Hackathon, encouraging filmmakers to use AI for content development and filmmaking.
Started in 1952, IFFI continues to be South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema.
Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), and the State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse over the years.
The festival also witnesses restored classics, while filmmakers also come up with their bold experiments.
Attending the festival is particularly rewarding for those interested in pursuing filmmaking as a profession.
It provides an opportunity for first-timers to share space with legendary maestros.
IFFI provides international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, providing an opportunity for ideas, deals, and collaborations to take flight.
IFFI 2025 also coincides with 50 years of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) of India.
Being staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop, IFFI 2025 will conclude on November 28.
