By Our Reporter
Shillong: On his maiden visit to Shillong to shoot for his upcoming movie 18.11, Bollywood’s ‘Bad Man’ Gulshan Grover called upon the State Government to promote filmmaking in Meghalaya by availing funds and infrastructure to lure filmmakers.
A huge crowd of eager enthusiasts gathered at Golf Links on catch a glimpse of the ‘super villain’ of Bollywood who shot some scenes of his movie 18.11 here.
Terming Shillong as a ‘shooting destination’, Grover said that with the scenic beauty and the pleasant weather Shillong can attract many producers and directors from all over the country and this could transform filmmaking in the State.
Stating that support should come from the State Government, the actor said, “Film making is a very passionate profession and a very risky one also and if support is missing from the government then it might put the filmmakers at risk or even lead them to bankruptcy.”
Speaking on the current situation of filmmaking in Meghalaya, Grover said that filmmaking is at its nascent stage here but the same could be improved through the help of the State Government in terms of funds and infrastructure.
He also said that the government should provide subsidies in everything related to filmmaking, including providing tax incentives.
“Filmmaking is one field that could generate large employment. I think the government should give it a serious thought,” he added.
The actor spoke kindly of the people of the State.
“The people are very friendly. I had heard that the people here are very hospitable and now I have experienced their hospitality,” he said.
“People who have known of this place talk about it all the time. I have heard it from two friends of mine based in Assam. Now I see why they brag a lot about the Northeastern states,” Grover said.
The actor also informed that the movie would be shot in locations in Assam and Meghalaya.
“I would like to come back to Shillong but that depends on the producers and directors to choose a perfect location for the movie,” he added.
Meanwhile, people had a gala time with many queuing up for autographs and pictures with the actor. Grover left for Guwahati on Wednesday after a day-long shoot in Shillong.