AR Rahman Urges Bollywood To Embrace Kashmir’s Peace, Culture And Cinematic Potential

SRINAGAR: Oscar‑winning composer AR Rahman has offered an expansive and heartfelt tribute to Kashmir, praising its natural splendour, cultural richness and the warmth of its people.

Speaking after the conclusion of the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK 2026), Rahman said the Valley deserves far greater global cinematic attention and should be celebrated for its beauty, peace and artistic potential.

While speaking to reporters here, he described the festival as a powerful platform capable of projecting Kashmir’s landscape and vibrancy to the world. He emphasised that the region’s serene environment and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal destination for filmmakers, musicians and creative artists seeking inspiration.

“Kashmir is a beautiful place, and it is blessed. Having an international film festival here is commendable. Everybody can see the beauty of Kashmir and experience its vibrancy. I wish this film festival becomes really famous, and that a lot of people come here and enjoy the hospitality of the Kashmiri people and the Indian government,” Rahman said, underscoring his admiration for the Valley’s cultural and natural wealth.

Reflecting on the future of filmmaking in Kashmir, Rahman urged Bollywood to shift its focus toward portraying the region’s tranquillity and natural charm rather than revisiting themes of conflict. He argued that cinema should highlight Kashmir’s peaceful essence and present nature as a positive, healing force. “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,” he said replying to a question.

Rahman also spoke passionately about Kashmir’s musical heritage, noting the immense potential of its folk traditions. He recalled his earlier visit during the making of Rockstar, when he recorded Kashmiri women singing folk songs—performances that were later woven into the film’s soundtrack. “I think that’s a beautiful suggestion and I would love to. 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, expressing a desire to deepen collaborations between Bollywood musicians and Kashmiri artistes.

Rahman revealed that his latest trip to the Valley was connected to an advertisement shoot, which he said had just concluded. “I’ve come for an ad. We enjoyed shooting the ad, and we just finished it. I want to come and perform here. Yes, we have some plans, and we are talking,” he added, hinting at future musical engagements and possibly a live performance in Kashmir.

With his characteristic humility and artistic vision, Rahman positioned Kashmir not merely as a filming location but as a global cultural hub—one where cinema, music and nature converge. He echoed a broader hope- that the world will rediscover Kashmir not through headlines, but through art, beauty and human connection.