TAWANG, Oct 27: Providing a boost to the state government’s effort to promote film tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali has expressed keen interest in the state as location for his future film shootings.
Speaking at the launch of the Northeast chapter of the Old Students Association of Hindu College, New Delhi, here on Saturday, Ali said: “Arunachal offers promising locations for film shooting with its breathtakingly beautiful and scenic landscapes.”
Ali, who has directed hit Bollywood movies such as Rockstar, Highway, and Jab We Met, said he was deeply touched by the hospitality and generosity of the people of Tawang.
“I am deeply indebted and will be obliged to do something for the development of tourism in Arunachal through movies,” he said.
Thanking Chief Minister Pema Khandu for inviting him to Arunachal, Ali said, “I am happy to know the vision the chief minister has for Arunachal. Please consider my help if I can be of any assistance in developing this beautiful state.”
Welcoming Ali’s offer to help develop tourism in Arunachal through films, Pema said the state government is bringing out a tourism policy and easing the process to shoot films in the state.
“A single-window clearance system is already in place to attract potential investors such as filmmakers in the state,” he said, adding that the state government is working to “create an enabling environment through simple procedures and possible incentives for filmmakers.”
Acknowledging the importance of movies in increasing tourism at film locations, Pema said the shooting of the movie Rangoon in Pasighat “has already kindled interest in many filmmakers as Arunachal offers several unique locations for shooting where no film has been shot before.” (CMO)
