Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his official residence on 18 October 2026, with the two reportedly discussing the state's film policy and its growing potential as a major shooting destination. The meeting took place while Akshay was already in Uttarakhand filming his yet-untitled next project with director Anees Bazmee.

What the Meeting Covered

Chief Minister Dhami outlined Uttarakhand's credentials as a film-friendly state, pointing to its natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse terrain as key draws for filmmakers. He credited the Uttarakhand Film Policy-2024 for catalysing positive change, including a single-window clearance system that has simplified permissions for production teams.

The CM further stressed that large film projects shooting in the state are reinforcing Uttarakhand's brand as a premium filming destination, extending its reach beyond domestic productions.

Employment and Economic Spillovers

Beyond the screen, Dhami emphasised that increased film activity is generating livelihoods for local artists, technicians, and youth. He argued that a surge in production activity creates a multiplier effect across tourism, hospitality, transport, and allied sectors — all of which stand to gain as more crews come to the state.

Akshay's Ongoing Uttarakhand Schedule

Akshay Kumar was reportedly spotted with actress Raashii Khanna in the Mussoorie and Landour areas, where the team was filming a song sequence for the untitled project. The film, directed by Anees Bazmee, also stars Vidya Balan, who wrapped the film's Kerala schedule with Akshay in May.

Sharing the update from the Kerala schedule, Akshay posted a photograph with co-stars Vidya and Raashii with the caption: 'Keralam schedule wrapped! Nothing beats working with good people in a beautiful place.'

Why This Matters for Uttarakhand's Film Economy

Uttarakhand has been steadily positioning itself alongside Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan as a preferred outstation filming hub. The Film Policy-2024, with its single-window system and incentive structure, signals a deliberate push to institutionalise this appeal. A high-profile visit from a bankable star like Akshay Kumar — who commands marquee productions — lends visible credibility to that pitch and is likely to draw further attention from producers scouting locations.

How many productions the policy converts into confirmed bookings will determine whether Uttarakhand graduates from a scenic backdrop to a structured film economy over the next few years.