Imtiaz Ali expresses interest to shoot in Aruachal

In a boost to the governments efforts to promote film tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali Saturday expressed interest in the state as a location for his future films, an official communique said.

Arunachal offers some promising locations for film shooting with its breathtakingly beautiful and scenic landscapes, he said at the launch of the north east chapter of Old Students Association (OSA) of Hindu College, New Delhi, at Tawang.

Ali, who has to his credits hit films like 'Rockstar', 'Highway', 'Jab We Met' said he is also deeply touched by the hospitality and generosity of the people of Twanag, the communique said quoting him.

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.

Khandu welcomed Alis offer to help develop tourism in Arunachal Pradesh through films, Khandu said the state government is bringing out a tourism policy and to ease shootings in the state.

He said a single window clearance system is already in place to attract potential investors such as filmmakers in the state. Besides, the state government is working to create an enabling environment through simple procedures and possible incentives for filmmakers, the communique said.

Referring to the importance of movies in increasing tourism to the film locations, Khandu said tourists always look to visit new places and films inspire a lot.

He said shooting of the film 'Rangoon' in Pasighat has already kindled interest in Arunachal Pradesh among many film makers as it offers several unique locations for shooting where no film had been shot before, it added.