Imtiaz Ali
Imtiaz Ali with Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu at Tawang on Saturday. Image: Northeast Live

Attracted by the scenic beauty of Northeast, Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has shown great interest to make use of the region’s breathtaking locales for his upcoming film.

Speaking at the launch of the North East chapter of Old Students Association (OSA) of New Delhi based Hindu College at Tawang, Ali said, “Arunachal offers some of the promising locations for film shooting with its breathtakingly beautiful and scenic landscapes.”

Ali who has directed hit Bollywood movies such as Rockstar, Highway, Jab We Met etc said he is also deeply touched by the hospitality and generosity of the Tawang people.

“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, Khandu said the state government is bringing out a tourism policy and easing out process to shoot films in the state.

He said a single window clearance system is already in place to attract potential investors such as filmmakers in the state.

He also said the state government is working to create an enabling environment through simple procedures and possible incentives for filmmakers.

Stating the importance of movies in increasing tourism to the film locations, Khandu said tourists are always in search of visiting new places and movies inspire a lot.

He said shooting of Rangoon movie in Pasighat has already kindled interest in many filmmakers as Arunachal offers several unique locations for shooting where no film had been shot before.

Meanwhile, day two of the 6th edition of Tawang Festival began earlier on the day today with street carnival showcasing the famous Arpuchham (war dance) by various villages, followed by Aji Lhamu Ngagchham (the tantric dance) and Phan chham (the flag dance).

Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi, along with deputy commissioner Sang Phuntsok, other senior officers, hundreds of tourists and the general public witnessed the carnival.

The carnival was followed by traditional games and sports event, which was organized at the Men-Tsem-tse festival ground.

The events included pungor (shotput), lemgor (discuss throw) and the Kpatengreeie (Tug of war) and traditional archery shooting for tourists.

MLA Tashi later also flagged in the MTB Tawang Challenge (cycling competition) which was flagged off on October 22 from Itanagar.

Damien Lepcha is Northeast Now Correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at: [email protected]

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