Kashmir has no dearth of acting talent, says filmmaker Danish Renzu

Mumbai, Aug.11 (ANI): Srinagar-born Danish Renzu is a well-known screenwriter and filmmaker. He moved to Los Angles in 2005 and pursued Engineering and Filmmaking at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Renzu, who studied Feature Film and Screenwriting under the prestigious UCLA Writers' Program, has produced several short films including "In Search of America, Inshallah", "Sheikh Chilli and His Three Wives" and "The Virtual". Renzu is directing a feature film titled "Half Widow". The movie, based on a Kashmiri woman, has been shot in the Kashmir valley. Renzu said, "Things have changed in Kashmir. Many people are interested in film making. When we started the film last year many people - including male and female - came for the auditions. The trend is changing. People want to be in film making, storytelling. In my film Half Widow, all actors are Kashmiris, local actors. They have acted perfectly which we call as quality driven cinema. You will be surprised; majority of the crew was Kashmiri. It was the aim of my team that the film we make will be having a Kashmiri cast." In spite of being home to talented artistes, Renzu says the situation in the volatile region is not conducive for movie enthusiasts. However, people have defied all odds to keep their love for movies alive. Renzu said, "People in Kashmir love movies and they are big fans of Bollywood films. But the situation is missing. Some people have imposed restrictions and people fear to go out and watch theatre. People (in the valley) go to Jammu to watch films. We have to change that because people have aspiration and talent too. Kashmir is full of talented people." Renzu is presently working as screenwriter for "Pashmina" and "The Saffron Sky". The filmmaker wishes to shoot more movies in Kashmir, which he says is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Renzu said, "Kashmir is heaven. I have visited abroad and seen many counties but never found a beautiful place like Kashmir. Kashmir is naturally beautiful and a gift of God. It's versatile, having many mountains and rivers. You have many places to visit like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg. It also has many gardens. We want Kashmir to become top on the tourist map as it boasts of immense beauty." Renzu is one of the many successful Kashmiris who have contributed immensely to the Indian film industry. (ANI)