Tauseef Ahmad/ TwoCircles.net
Bandipora: For centuries, women in the border areas of Kashmir Valley have been predominantly confined to household and agricultural roles. However, a remarkable transformation is underway, challenging societal norms as young girls break barriers and excel in diverse fields. This shift signals a significant departure from their traditional roles, showcasing their talents and ambitions on broader stages.
Take Shaheena, a 21-year-old student from Tulail in Gurez Valley. Currently pursuing her B.A., she is actively honing her skills in filmmaking — a pursuit that once seemed unimaginable given the societal constraints and limited opportunities in border regions. Yet, with recent peace agreements fostering stability, dreams previously out of reach for students like Shahaeena are now within grasp.
Nestled near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Gurez Valley captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and majestic mountains, renowned not just across India but around the world. Situated 130 km from the summer capital of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, this region has long been celebrated for its natural beauty.
Once synonymous with conflict, Gurez is now emerging as a vibrant tourist destination, drawing hundreds of visitors daily.
“In the border region, being a girl has felt like a curse; we have had to sacrifice our dreams. We too aspire to become officers, doctors or pursue higher education, but limited facilities and societal barriers have constrained us. However, things are gradually changing. We are now beginning to have opportunities to learn skills beyond traditional household and agricultural duties,” Shaheena told TwoCircles.net.
She highlighted the immense potential of the area for Bollywood shoots, alongside other scenic parts of the region. She expressed her aspiration to inspire more girls in her community to pursue filmmaking by leveraging skills acquired through workshops.
“Through capturing our lives, culture and traditions, we can preserve our language and heritage, which are gradually fading with modernization and digitalization,” she emphasized.
A 10-day workshop organized in her area by the Army in collaboration with renowned Bollywood director Oniar a few months ago provided youth with invaluable filmmaking skills. Shaheena believes these workshops are crucial for sharing untold stories hidden in the dense forests of her region due to societal barriers.
Underlining the importance of such initiatives in Kashmir’s border areas, she conveyed her gratitude to the Army for fostering opportunities in filmmaking. She added that the scenic beauty of Gurez Valley holds potential to grace Bollywood screens, continually captivating interest since the return of peace to these borderlands.
“Since the ceasefire agreement, we have been living without fear, cultivating vegetables and crops freely in our fields. Previously, we lived in constant fear due to routine shelling from across the border. Both sides of the border have been affected by this, and we hope for lasting peace in both countries,” said Saleema Begum from Bagtore, an area in Gurez.
The workshop held in Gurez’s Tulail area drew 15 students, including several girls selected after rigorous rounds of interviews from various parts of Kashmir.
Kashmir Valley: A Rejuvenated Hub for Bollywood
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and “improvements” in security, Kashmir has once again become a favored destination for the Bollywood and South Indian film productions.
In 2024 alone, over 200 filmmakers sought permissions to shoot in the region. In 2023, Kashmir emerged as a key location for the film industry, hosting the filming of 103 movies and web series, including notable productions such as Sz.R.K’s ‘Dunki’, Aamir Khan’s ‘Lal Singh Chadda’, John Abraham’s ‘Veda’, among others.
In 2021, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has launched a new film policy aimed at attracting filmmakers by offering subsidies and streamlining permissions. Over 300 scenic locations are now accessible for film production in the Valley. Production companies shooting in the region can reclaim up to half of their expenses, capped at Rs 20 million, depending on the number of films and shooting days.
“We are breathing life into our own narratives through our productions. We’ve been encouraged to tell our own stories about our Valley. It brings us joy to create short films and documentaries based on our experiences,” shared a jubilant Shaheena with TwoCircles.net.
Another participant expressed optimism about the workshop’s potential to create employment opportunities for unemployed youths in the border areas, which were previously limited to few job options.
“Gurez has the potential for snow tourism. By acquiring filmmaking skills, we can attract tourists even during winters when few venture here,” said one Aamir.
He emphasized that beyond learning filmmaking techniques, participants were gaining insights into the patience and dedication required from professional teams behind the camera. “These practical skills will be a game changer for many youths aspiring to pursue filmmaking careers from the border areas,” he added.
Oniar, the acclaimed director leading the workshop, conveyed his enthusiasm for the project. “Gurez’s unique geographical, cultural and traditional richness makes it an ideal setting for Bollywood shoots. I am drawn to the natural beauty of the region, which continues to inspire me. My goal is to empower these border youths with filmmaking skills so they can showcase this heavenly locale on Bollywood screens,” he explained.
The 10-day workshop commenced on May 20 in Niru village of Tulail and concluded on May 30. Several youths from the border region participated, aiming to bring their untold stories from the snow-capped mountains and lush green forests of Gurez to life.