Sanjay Dutt shoots in Kashmir, hopes more film units follow

Sanjay Dutt is presently in Pahalgam, Kashmir, to shoot for his debut Tamil film, Thalapathy 67 a.k.a Leo. Dutt being a crowd favourite, an acquaintance and local resident revealed there is palpable excitement in the valley due to his presence. “The producer of the film had arranged a high-end premium car for Baba’s commute from Srinagar Airport to Pahalgam. The people of the valley are going crazy to meet him,” said the resident, adding, “The Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF are taking care of his security.”

The presence of the actor at the valley is special in more ways than one. Besides his fondness for the natural beauty of the place, the actor was also quoted saying, “I am fond of Kashmir, my first movie Rocky was also shot here.” While Rocky was shot in 1981, Dutt had returned to shoot for Mission Kashmir in 2000 and again for Lamhaa in 2010.

The 63-year-old actor flew to Srinagar from Delhi in a private jet on March 10 and has been too busy with the shoot to explore the neighbouring places or get a taste of local cuisine, especially the Wazwan. However, on Thursday, he visited the Aishmuqam Shrine in the Anantnag district of Kashmir amidst tight security to pay his obeisance. In a video shot at the Shrine, the actor was heard saying, “This was a call of the divine. I have prayed for Kashmir, I have prayed for India. I hope and pray that more films are shot in Kashmir, more tourists come here, and tourism receives a boost.”

According to reports, the actor is playing the antagonist in the movie and has been hitting the gym regularly to prepare for the role. “He will most probably leave today (March 17) evening,” the acquaintance added.