SRINAGAR: Veteran actor Alok Nath, who is in the city to shoot for his upcoming film Sargoshiyan, says the situation in Kashmir is normal but even minor incidents in the Valley are blown out of proportion.
The actor visited Kashmir after 25 years. Minor incidents happen everywhere, in the country and the rest of the world but if something like that happens here, it becomes big, which should not happen.
Whatever I had heard or read about the place, I find it opposite of that. I feel this place is like any normal place, Nath said when asked about his perception of Kashmir.
The veteran said had it not been for work, he would have stayed in the Valley for a long time. I want to stay here as it is a very beautiful place with such lovely people, but because of my work commitments, I have to return. I promise to come back and be here for a longer duration, he said.
Asked about his views on his colleague Anupam Khers recent comments and participation in political activities, Nath said actors should refrain from taking part in politics and stick to their profession. He has personal views, he has some political bent on this and he has emotions, but I feel those should not be generalised. It is in isolation but there is freedom of expression. I personally feel that an actor should not take an important part in politics. Our profession is different and sensitive and we should remain in our profession only. This is what I think and I have no control on his thinking, he said.
Actor-turned-producer Imran Khan said there were some apprehensions about shooting in Kashmir in Naths mind but they went away after reaching here. I told Nath that I will complete this film in Kashmir.
The film, whose second leg of shooting is currently going on, also stars Farida Jalal, Tom Alter and Shahbaz Khan.
Love, affection received from Kashmiri heartwarming
Veteran Bollywood actor Alok Nath showered heaps of praises on the people of Kashmir, saying the perception with which he came to the Valley were completely changed as he received lot of love and affection from the locals.
Before coming to Kashmir, I was a little worried after reports of unrest in the Valley were being circulated on national media.
However, the perception completely changed when I reached here.
The situation was nothing like it was projected in the national media.
Everything is normal here and the kind of love and affection which I received here was heartwarming, Mr Nath, who is visiting Kashmir valley after a gap of over two-and-half decade to shoot his upcoming file Sargoshya, said.
The veteran actor said even the slightest of a whisper in Kashmir is projected as a big issue, which should not happen.
Every place in the world, including elsewhere in the country, has problems, but highlighting Kashmir in bad light should not happen, he said.
Meanwhile, taking about his character in the movie, which is currently being shot in the valley, he said he plays the role of a Kashmiri Pandith who decides to stay back during the eruption of unrest in early 90s.
I play a Kashmri Pandith in the movie, who is determined to stay back in the valley when the rest of people from his community, including his son, decide to leave.
His decision is backed by the Muslim brethren of his village, who want him to stay, he said.
Talking about his experience 25 years ago when he visited the valley as a young actor, Mr Nath said, Not much has changed, apart from the buildings and roads.
The people are still the same.
The kindness and hospitality with which people used to greet tourists is still there.
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