'Dispur gives film-makers the cold shoulder'

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, July 10: Admiring the scenic beauty of Assam, Bollywood character actor Shakti Kapoor has said that Assam could be a much sought-after destition for film-makers who, however, have to go abroad for such spots due to the cold shoulder Dispur gives them.   

The character actor talked to newsmen here today. He was accompanied by Amkar Das Manickpuri, Mustak Khan and Nupur Mehta. Madhurima Chaudhary, Angoorlata, Amithabh Rajkhowa, Mala Goswami, Debojit Mazumdar, Nila Saikia, Sonia Marak, Pallabi Bharali, Deboshree Das, Priyanka Baishya, Pervez, Gaurab Baruah and others from Assam were also present at the press conference.

Shakti Kapoor said: "I'll request Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to give subsidy for Bollywood and local films if he is to boost tourism prospects in the State. Assam has always been a charming destition for film-makers, but the desired warmth from the State government is lacking. This is the reason many film-makers have to go to abroad for spots with scenic beauty."

Mustak Khan said: "Maharashtra, Gujarat and other states of the country give 30-60 per cent subsidies for films by film-makers of their respective States or of Bollywood. Countries like New Zealand, Fiji, Mauratius etc., call film-makers and offer them freebies like to-and-fro travel, food and lodge etc. Besides boosting tourism prospects of the State, such a gesture will help local artistes get their berths in Bollywood. This will also help the local cinema industry." Omkar Das said: "The scenic beauty of Assam made me lost for words. Strangely enough, such spots are not known outside the State. If the beautiful spots here are showcased in films, both the local and Bollywood artistes would be benefited."

Meanwhile, Shakti Kapoor informed the media that three short films would be produced by Dream House Producer in the Northeast by roping in both local and Bollywood artistes. The director of the films, being produced with the objective of promoting films and competing in intertiol film festivals, is Rakesh Sawant.

Besides short movies, according to Kapoor, Dream House Producer is going to do two music videos of Kumar Sanu starring Ajaz Khan. The shooting, he said, will be done in Shillong and Assam.

Dream House Production is the first full-fledged production house in Northeast India that undertakes elaborate projects related to films, television and entertainment in a professiol and organizatiol setup.