Cameras are all set to roll in Punjab with the State Government jumping into action to woo the film industry.
The Government has not only announced to set up its own Film City, but also a one-stop-centre to enable hassle-free film shootings in the State.
Punjab, in recent times, has attracted lot of film makers owing to its rich culture and scenic beauty. Besides, the flourishing Punjabi film industry has also remained an added advantage.
Thus, to boost film tourism in Punjab, the state Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has asked the officials concerned to initiate setting up of a ‘single window system’ for all clearances pertaining to ‘hassle-free’ film shooting in Punjab.
The instructions were issued only recently following Sidhu’s meeting with renowned Hollywood and Bollywood producer Darshan Aulakh, who apprised the Minister with the difficulties being faced by the film fraternity for film shooting in the state.
Notably, in the current system, the film staff have to run pillar to post to get mandatory clearances for the shooting from different departments. And despite getting all said clearances, there was no surety of smooth and conducive arrangements for film shooting in the state, said Aulakh.
Sidhu, known for taking prompt action, immediately called the concerned officials of the Tourism Department and issued instruction for opening of single window system for film clearances.
The Minister also said that soon, Punjab would have a huge film city on the pattern of Noida Film City so that all facilities for film shooting could also be provided in particular area.
Hailing the initiative, Aulakh said that if the new system is adopted by Punjab Government, state could be developed as a major hub of film shooting in north India.