SHIMLA: Renowned Bollywood actors Nana Patekar and Rajpal Yadav, along with producer Anil Sharma and other crew members of the film 'Journey,' paid a visit to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence Oak Over on Monday evening.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the State Government's commitment to promoting film production in Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing the region's rich cultural heritage and scenic locations.
He revealed that the government has devised a comprehensive Film Policy and is planning to establish a Film Facilitation Cell within the Department of Information and Public Relations.
This cell aims to serve as a single-window platform for granting permissions, ensuring a streamlined online process completed within three working days.
Sukhu expressed the government's intention to provide more advanced and well-equipped film shooting locations to producers, along with the added benefit of utilizing airstrips and helipads across Himachal Pradesh for outdoor film shoots.
In a bid to encourage filmmakers to choose Himachal Pradesh as their preferred shooting destination, the Chief Minister announced plans for Annual Film Awards dedicated to films with a minimum of 50 percent of their shooting conducted in the state.
Additionally, the government is considering the establishment of a Film Development Fund to support festivals, awards, and other related activities.
Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, and Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surinder Chauhan were also present during the meeting.