Karan Johar shoots in Kashmir

The year 2012 has kicked off on a fantastic note for Karan Johar. After producing back-to-back blockbusters — Agneepath and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, the filmmaker has added another feather to his cap — joining a select clique of directors, who have shot in the picturesque locales of Kashmir.

Currently, Karan is canning a love song for his upcoming directorial venture, Student Of The Year in the Valley. “I always wanted to shoot in Kashmir. And this time, it was a perfect opportunity when we got a love song to shoot,” says Karan, whose song is being choreographed by Farah Khan. “We were keen to capture the snow, so Farah and I decided that shooting in Kashmir would be great.”

The 39-year-old filmmaker feels that movies like Rockstar have helped bring back the beauty of Kashmir on celluloid. “What I am most happy about is that (Bollywood) cinema is revisiting such a stunning location all over again. And I am glad that we are also taking it a step further by presenting a different kind of beauty and energy,” he says.

The filmmaker, who has been shooting at places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar, finds Kashmiris “extremely hospitable.” “We have had the best experience ever (in Kashmir). Also geographically, it goes without saying, it’s stupendous. It’s close to how you would visualise ‘topography perfection,’” says Karan, whose Agneepath is currently making waves in the overseas market. In fact, the film recently crossed the $2 million mark in the US.

Karan, whose films My Name Is Khan (2010), Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) already feature in the biggest overseas-grosser list, says, “I have been fortunate to break overseas records at the beginning of my career. I’m glad that our banner (Dharma Productions) resonates well with overseas audiences. I feel proud to be part of movies that find a place in archives of overseas (film) business in terms of box office.”

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Aamir Khan in Srinagar

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan today concluded his two-day visit to Kashmir valley where he was scouting for possible locations for his untitled film.

The 46-year-old actor, who arrived here yesterday, went to Kangan in central Kashmir Ganderbal district and took a Shikara ride in the famous Dal Lake in the heart of the city, sources close to him said.

Aamir last shot in Kashmir for romantic drama ‘Mann’ in 1998. He is looking for locations for his next venture.

The actor is also likely to visit the valley again to shoot for ‘Incredible India’ advertisement campaign commissioned by Union Tourism Ministry, the sources said.

Aamir said he was happy “to be back in the beautiful valley after a gap of 10 years.”

other side of snowfall

Every time Kashmir experiences snowfall, it brings with it endless woes ranging from  long power cuts, snapped communication, water shortage, dearth of essential  commodities and much  more. But can there be a comparable of the beauty it bestows on Kashmir valley?

By its softness, shapelessness and indifferent attachment to whatever and where ever it settles, snow transforms the whole Kashmir into a kind of fairyland. It renders uniformity to everything around with its white blanket.

Snow brings strange quiet hush all around. The whole valley is clad in white cover of snow. The lofty mountains surrounding the valley turn white under snow coverlet. The partly frozen water bodies, with shikaras in tow on the banks complement the beauty. White roofed wooden house boats over frozen lakes looks fascinating. There can hardly be seen any movement in the water bodies which would otherwise remain busy with commuters, visitors and fishermen.

“The season of summer and winter give two different looks to Kashmir. Summer is colourful while winter makes Kashmir white land,” said Nida Khan, student.

The outskirts of the valley, including world famous tourist destination of Gulmarg gain stunning look. The snow clad peaks and meadows of Gulmarg provides best ski slopes, besides facilitating ice-skating and other sports.

The beauty of Kashmir during snow has not only attracted thousands of domestic and international tourists but has also provided background to scores of Bollywood films. Visit of Mughal gardens or a simple drive along Boulevard is a real treat during snow.

“Every time it snows, I make a visit to Mughal gardens in Srinagar because they look exotic clad in snow. I love capturing it all in my camera,” says Ehsaan Majeed, a college student.

Snow also adds excitement to the life, and we all become children for a while, away from everything that divides us. Playing with snow or watching silent flakes of snow falling is what most of us like.“Though snow brings many problems for us, I like to involve in snow fights and make snowman. It brings back the memories of childhood,” said Aashiq Hussain, an employee.

He says he spends time with his children playing with snow and making snowman every winter.

“Snow becomes a reason for me to spend time with my children and relive my childhood too,” adds Aashiq.