J&K has best artistic talent in the country: Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali

Jammu, December 15:  Renowned Bollywood Director Imtiaz Ali on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir has the best artistic talent in the country and a detailed plan is being formulated with the help of the Union Territory government to take theatre, acting talents, folk art, and music at national and international level.

Ali was addressing a press conference in Jammu along with Secretary Tourism & Culture, Sarmad Hafeez.
He said that theatre workshops for the young artists will be organized across the UT in the coming months which will ensure that local talented youngsters get the opportunity and necessary exposure.
During his visit to J&K, the director also met Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and discussed with him various issues concerning the youth especially in militancy-infested Kashmir Valley.

Ali said that he will try to bring out the talent of youth and focus on providing them a platform at the national level.

Ali was among the first Bollywood directors to revive Bollywood’s lost link with Kashmir, with the shooting of his flick ‘Rockstar’ in 2011 and he had been visiting the valley regularly and interacting with the youngsters.

“It’s my endeavor to showcase rich local talent, art forms, the folklore of J&K to the world and I will regularly hold interactive sessions with talented youth.  UT is the most beautiful place I have seen in my life. I have been very attracted by its culture and heritage”, said Ali.

Secretary Tourism and Culture, Sarmad Hafeez, Director, Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, Muneer -ul-Islam were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Sarmad Hafeez said that the Tourism Department has decided to organize several programmes to showcase the cultural heritage of the UT.

“Our main focus is to attract tourists from across the country. During this winter season, we are planning to organize winter festivals at Patnitop in Jammu and Gulmarg in Kashmir”, Hafeez said.