AR Rahman backs Kashmir as Bollywood film destination, urges focus on beauty over violence
Synopsis
AR Rahman didn’t just endorse Kashmir as a filming destination — he reframed the entire conversation. Speaking at the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, the Oscar-winning composer argued that Bollywood must stop trafficking in the Valley’s violent past and start telling stories of its beauty and peace. He also hinted at a live performance in the Valley and a deeper collaboration with local folk artistes.
Key Takeaways
AR Rahman spoke at the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir on 13 September 2026 .
He urged Bollywood filmmakers to focus on Kashmir’s natural beauty and peace rather than violence or its past.
Rahman visited Kashmir for an advertisement shoot and hinted at plans for a live performance in the Valley.
He recalled recording Kashmiri folk songs performed by local women for the 2011 film Rockstar .
He expressed willingness to collaborate with local artistes and explore the region’s musical traditions further.
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has called on Bollywood filmmakers to reframe their portrayal of Kashmir, urging the industry to spotlight the Valley's natural beauty and tranquillity rather than dwell on conflict and its troubled past. Rahman made the remarks on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir on 13 September 2026.
What Rahman Said
Speaking to media at the festival, the national award-winning composer made a clear case for cinema as a vehicle for positive change. “That’s a very good point. I think that’s what should happen from now. They should bring the beauty and the peace when you see nature as a positive thing rather than talking about violence or the past. The past is past, and the future is bright,” Rahman said.
He described Kashmir as inherently suited to inspire filmmakers and artists. “Kashmir is a beautiful place, and it’s blessed. So having an international film festival is commendable and everybody can see the beauty of Kashmir and the vibration of Kashmir. I wish this film festival becomes really famous and a lot of people come here and enjoy the hospitality of the Kashmiri people,” he added.
Why Rahman Was in Kashmir
Rahman revealed that his visit to the Valley was for an advertisement shoot. “I’ve come for an ad. I’ll tell you what it is. We enjoyed shooting the ad; we just finished it,” the composer said. The trip, however, appears to have rekindled a deeper connection with the region, with Rahman hinting at plans for a live performance. “We have some plans, and we are talking. Hopefully, I want to come and perform here,” he said.
Rockstar Roots and Kashmiri Folk Music
Rahman also reflected on his earlier creative engagement with Kashmir, recalling how he recorded local women performing traditional folk songs for the 2011 film Rockstar. “I came here for ‘Rockstar.’ I recorded the ladies singing folk songs, and we used it in ‘Rockstar.’ We want to come and do more things here,” he said. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with local artistes and exploring the region’s musical heritage further.
Bigger Picture: Cinema as a Soft-Power Tool
Rahman’s remarks come at a moment when Jammu and Kashmir has been actively positioning itself as a premium filming destination. The region’s administration has in recent years offered production incentives and facilitated shoots across its picturesque landscapes. Several major Bollywood productions have returned to the Valley after years of absence. The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is itself part of that larger cultural diplomacy push, bringing together filmmakers, musicians, and artists to amplify Kashmir’s creative identity on a national and international stage.
For Rahman — whose cross-cultural collaborations span decades — the Valley’s folk traditions represent an underexplored musical resource. His comments are likely to draw fresh industry attention to Kashmir as both a location and a source of artistic collaboration.
Point of View
But it also sidesteps a harder question: Bollywood has long used Kashmir as shorthand for conflict, and the industry’s return to the Valley has so far been driven more by picturesque backdrops than by genuine engagement with Kashmiri stories or talent. Endorsements from marquee names carry weight, but meaningful representation requires the industry to hire locally, adapt regional narratives, and give Kashmiri voices creative authorship — not just a scenic backdrop. The International Film Festival is a useful platform, but the real test is whether it translates into productions that centre Kashmir on its own terms.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did AR Rahman say about Kashmir and Bollywood?
AR Rahman urged Bollywood filmmakers to highlight Kashmir’s natural beauty and peaceful side rather than focusing on violence or the region’s troubled past. He made the remarks at the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir on 13 September 2026.
Why was AR Rahman in Kashmir?
AR Rahman was in Kashmir for an advertisement shoot, which he said had been completed. He also hinted at plans for a live performance in the Valley in the future.
What is AR Rahman’s connection to Kashmir through Rockstar?
For the 2011 film Rockstar, AR Rahman recorded local Kashmiri women performing traditional folk songs, which were incorporated into the film’s soundtrack. He expressed a desire to return and do more creative work in the Valley.
What is the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir?
The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is a cultural event designed to promote the region as a creative and filming destination. It brings together filmmakers, musicians, and artists to showcase Kashmir’s artistic and scenic identity.
Has Bollywood been returning to Kashmir for film shoots?
Yes, several major Bollywood productions have returned to Jammu and Kashmir in recent years after a long period of absence, aided by production incentives offered by the regional administration. AR Rahman’s endorsement is likely to further encourage this trend.
