‘Chinar-Daastaan-e-Ishq’ depicts Kashmir sans violence

“Chinar-Daastaan-e-Ishq”, featuring Aamir Khan‘s brother Faisal Khan and due for release in May, is the first Bollywood movie in 25 years to portray Jammu and Kashmir without violence.

The film is based on the novel “Jheel Jalti Hai” (Lake is on fire) written by retired civil servant Renzu Shah. The main character ‘Jamal’ in the movie is played by Faisal Khan.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar Monday, Faisal Khan said: “I had bid goodbye to acting, but I found the script of “Chinar-Daastaan-e-Ishq” so compelling that I decided to act in it.”

Renzu Shah said the movie is the first to be based on the state in the last 25 years that does not depict violence in any form.

“It (movie) is about the culture, beauty and life of Kashmir as seen through the characters of the novel,” Renzu Shah told IANS.

Faisal Khan said: “Our family has made great contributions to Bollywood. My father Tahir Hussain and my uncle Nasir Hussain produced many superhits in early 70s.”

“Major portions of those movies were shot in Kashmir like “Karwaan”, “Anamika”, “Hamara Khandan”, “Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon”, “Hum Kisise Kum Nahin”, “Yaadon Ki Baarat”, and “Teesri Manzil”. These inspired me since my childhood to shot in Kashmir,” he said.

“Working as ‘Jamal’ was the main challenge as the entire story revolves around this character,” he said.

“In the movie, ‘Jamal’ is hanged, but he continues to be the hero because sincerity is fundamental to his emotional and apparently repulsive character,” he said.

Faisal Khan complimented writer Renzu Shah, producer Rajesh Jain and director Sharik Minhaj.

“Movie “Chinar-Daastaan-e-Ishq”, I confidently tell you is one of the most effective, heart-rending stories which covers all the facets of Kashmir,” Faisal Khan said.

Renzu Shah said that he suggested the change in the name of the movie from “Aatish” (Fire) to “Chinar-Daastaan-e-Ishq” which according to him has a soothing effect.

Inputs by IANS