I’m still proud of my first film, ‘Yahaan’, even after two decades. This movie has a special place in my heart, and I cherish every moment spent working on it. The cinematography by Jakob Ihre is stunning, presenting Kashmir in an authentic and realistic way. It’s like a poetic paradise, with a lyrical quality that makes the movie even more enchanting.
Working with Gulzar Saab and Shantanu Moitra was a dream come true. They created some of the most evocative music and lyrics, which added depth to the film. I was fortunate to have them on board, especially Gulzar Saab, who is a legend in the industry.
The plot of ‘Yahaan’ is thought-provoking, with a Kashmiri girl questioning the status quo and her brother entangled in the process. The love story between the Kashmiri girl and an army personnel adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. I wanted to showcase the broken Kashmir of that time, the Kashmiriyat, and the locals who were against the events that unfolded in 1989. The film aims to be hopeful, bringing together an army guy, a Kashmiri girl, and a Hindu girl who’s been adopted by a family.