Jaipur: Right after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promised to explore the possibilities of building a Film City in Noida, people in Rajasthan are hoping Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led government would fulfil the long-awaited promise of a Film City in Jaipur.
The Vasundhara Raje government during 2018 discussed the possibilities of constructing the Film City in Udaipur with the then UDH Minister Srichand Kripalani who issued instructions to the then ACS UDH Mukesh Sharma. A demand to reserve about 200 bighas of land for the construction of Film City was made and a budget of 100 crores rupees was also sought from the state government.
Even after completing two years in power, the Ashok Gehlot government has not been able to allot land for the proposed project.
In the year 2005, the Film City project was proposed to be built in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur at 900 bighas of land in Sumail village on Agra road with over Rs 900 crore budget.
Jaipur Development Authority had also started the land acquisition process amid discussions to extend the Film City to Ramgarh.
Read:| YEIDA identifies land for film city in Greater Noida; sends proposal
Following the changes in the ruling government, the issue of Jaipur Film City was also dumped into cold storage. Each time the government in power reflects the crunching financial condition of the state.
Since the time of 'Mughal-E-Azam', Rajasthan has remained the first choice of filmmakers for shooting as the region filled with a rich heritage of art and culture. The forts, Havelis, temples, mountains, and even deserts of Rajasthan have always wowed the film industry. Perhaps this is the reason that 6 decades before producer Prithviraj Kapoor and director K.K. Asif shot 'Mughal-Aajam' in Jaipur and Amer. During the shoot, two thousand camels and hundreds of horses from 56 regiments of the Indian Army were used in the shooting after seeking permission from the Defense Ministry. Fifty years ago when 'Mera Gaon-Mera Desh' was shot in Udaipur's Chirawa village, the entire village became a part of this shooting. Some scenes of the film 'Ganga Ki Soongadh' were also shot near the banks of Banganga near the town of Tala. Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan's Jodha-Akbar Ho and Super 30 were filmed in Sambhar, Periodic dramas including Mahabharata were filmed at Mahalan near Jaipur. Ancient towns like Jaipur, Amber, Jamwa Ramgarh, Samod, Shekhawati, Marwar, Mewar, Alwar and Hadauti have witnessed the making of countless famous movies.
With the construction of a Film City in Jaipur, the local industries in Rajasthan will get new dimensions to boost the economy. Hundreds of aspiring artists will get employment, jewellery, textile and tourism businesses will be able to generate income.
Supported by strong willpower of government and dedication of leaders, Rajasthan can achieve a new landmark.
Read:| CM Yogi Adityanath announces to set up country's 'biggest' film city in Noida
