Srinagar, September 9, 2026 : Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, best known for the iconic Sholay, has expressed hope that he and other filmmakers will soon return to Jammu and Kashmir to shoot films, saying the Valley has once again opened opportunities for the film industry.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) in Srinagar on Wednesday, Sippy recalled his long association with Kashmir and said he has been visiting the region since 1964.
🎬 ‘I Hope Filmmakers Will Come Back’
Sippy said he had frequently visited Kashmir in the past, but periods of difficulties had interrupted those visits.
With conditions improving, he expressed optimism that tourists and filmmakers would once again make the Valley a regular destination.
He also welcomed government efforts to encourage filmmaking in Jammu and Kashmir, saying he hoped the future would be even better.
🎥 Sippy Hints at Shooting in Kashmir
Asked whether he had plans to shoot a film in the Valley, Sippy said that he had come to the region, observed the situation and hoped that filmmaking projects could follow soon.
The filmmaker’s remarks come at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is seeking to strengthen its position as a destination for film production and attract filmmakers from across India.
🌟 Looking Forward to Young Filmmakers
Sippy also said he was eager to watch films made by the emerging generation of filmmakers.
He expressed hope that young directors and storytellers from the region would receive encouragement and opportunities to develop their work.
The veteran filmmaker said he would like to see the same appreciation for the next generation’s films that audiences once extended to his own work.
🎞️ ‘Indian Cinema Has Very Good Talent’
Responding to criticism of contemporary filmmaking, Sippy defended the current generation of Indian filmmakers.
He said there is strong talent in Indian cinema today, with filmmakers continuing to produce quality stories.
Sippy cited filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ as a recent example of good cinema and encouraged audiences to appreciate and support filmmakers experimenting with meaningful stories.
🏔️ Kashmir’s Film Potential
Sippy’s visit to IFFJK comes amid growing efforts to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a film and tourism destination.
With its landscapes, cultural heritage and long association with Indian cinema, the region has historically attracted filmmakers.
The veteran director’s call for renewed shooting opportunities adds to the growing discussion around creating a stronger and more sustainable film ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
