Darjeeling reclaims its glory on silver screen

Amitava Banerjee | MP | 1 October 2019 | Darjeeling: The queen of the Hills is all set to reclaim her position as an important film shoot destination with shootings underway for two films and many more lined up for the near future.

While a Bengali movie featuring Deb and Paoli Dam is being shot at the Darjeeling Chowrasta, shooting is on for another movie with Rajat Kapoor and Momtaz Sarkar in the lead at Tukdah.

Incidentally in the yesteryears, Darjeeling had been a much sought after film shoot destination with many a landmark film shot here.

However owing to the political upheavals that had gripped the Hills, Darjeeling lost her importance as a shooting destination. Even regional films stayed away.

However, all this is set to change with Darjeeling once more being promoted as an excellent shooting destination. In the past few years many box office hits have showcased Darjeeling successfully. Even the big names of Bollywood have started returning. The state government led by Mamata Banerjee has been trying to promote film tourism in Darjeeling.

Tourists were ecstatic seeing Deb and Paoli Dam at the Darjeeling Chowrasta on Friday. There was a mad rush to click selfies and take autographs.

The film Saanjhbati is being shot in Darjeeling. The cast of the film includes Soumitro Chattopadhyay, Lily Chakroborty, Deb and Paoli Dam. The movie is directed by Saibal Banerjee and Leena Ganguli. It is being produced by Bengal Talkies.

"The film has a sequence of the lead couple going on a vacation to the Hills. Which could be a better place than Darjeeling? So we decided to shoot here. It is a three day shoot. We have shot in Tumling and Darjeeling town. We will be shooting in Lamhatta and Triveni on Saturday. The film has largely been shot in Kolkata and is scheduled to be released on December 20," said Banerjee talking to Millennium Post.

The director stated that Darjeeling is a shoot friendly destination where there are ample virgin locations.

Paoli Dam is being accompanied by her mother.

"I will get to spend quality time with my mother. It is a three day shoot. Wish I could spend at least 10 days with her in Darjeeling," she had stated on arrival at Bagdogra Airport.

Deb seems to be luckier. "I always enjoy my stay in Darjeeling. I will be returning later this month for a 10 day shoot for another movie," stated Deb.

The movie revolves around the lives of elderly residents of Salt Lake, Kolkata. The film depicts their loneliness. With majority of the youths out of station for jobs leaving parents alone.

"Darjeeling has great locations. It is comparatively cheaper than other hill stations. It just needs to be promoted. These days there are numerous films, tv serials being shot in Darjeeling. From the 6th November a Hindi film staring Taapsee Pannu will be shot in Darjeeling and Kalimpong for one and a half months," stated Babloo Banerjee of Moviecraft Media associated with line production for movies being shot in North East region.