Gujarat opens talks to welcome filmmakers

JD Majethia

In a bid to encourage shoots in the state, the Gujarat government has initiated talks with filmmakers and show creators. On Monday, Hareet Shukla, tourism secretary, Gujarat, held a meeting with the members of the entertainment industry, which included JD Majethia, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma producer Asit Modi, representatives of Dharma Productions, and Endemol Shine India, among others, to discuss the way forward.

"They are in the process of framing policies, and have taken our suggestions. They want to promote Gujarat [through films, television shows and digital content] and increase employment and tourism [in the state]. The government is encouraging creative participation [and have promised to] give us single POC [point of contact] for permissions and a sizeable subsidy," says JD Majethia of Hats Off Productions, who serves as the chairman, Television & Web, Indian Film and Television Producers Council. The government is keen to create a robust infrastructure to enable shoots. "They are looking to erect a film city as well as VFX studios," added Majethia.