Daisy Shah is set to portray an IPS officer in the upcoming film DGP Kashmir, directed by Imtiyaz Bhat. The movie centers on the challenges and sacrifices of security personnel in the Kashmir Valley. Casting Daisy was a deliberate decision, as Bhat explained, “When I narrated the script to Daisy Shah, she really liked the role and said it had been her dream to play an IPS officer. She also looks closer to a Kashmiri woman, which was another reason for us to cast her.”
Personal Inspiration Behind the Film
For Imtiyaz, the film stems from personal experiences and memories of growing up in Kashmir. One incident, in particular, left a lasting impact on him. He recalls, “There used to be a police officer, DSP Ayoub Pandith. He was a very good man. On the night of Shab-e-Qadr, while returning after offering prayers, he was lynched by a mob. That pain stayed with me, and I decided I wanted to tell a story about police officers and their sacrifices.”
Inspiration from Hazratbal Shrine Incident
Imtiyaz also says the film draws inspiration from incidents linked to the Hazratbal shrine. He adds, “Years ago, militants took control of Hazratbal and the situation became very dangerous. Some civilians were trapped as well. The police officers fought bravely to secure the shrine and ensure the safety of civilians. The film focuses on officers protecting civilians because that is what they do first.”
Interaction with Former DGP of Jammu and Kashmir
He also interacted with the then DGP of Jammu and Kashmir while developing the script. He says, “I was inspired after meeting him. He told me that it was important for people to know how brave J&K Police personnel are and how much they have sacrificed.”
Emotional Scene That Moved the Director
One sequence proved particularly difficult for the filmmaker to shoot. He says, “There’s a scene where an officer is fatally injured and video calls his mother. He tells her, ‘Maa, main jaa raha hoon tujhe chhod kar doosri maa ke paas, apni dharti maa ke paas.’ Then he kisses his mother on the screen and our motherland before dying. It was such an emotional scene that I couldn't stop crying.”
Message of Love and Peace
Through DGP Kashmir, Imtiyaz hopes audiences gain a better understanding of the role played by security forces in conflict zones. He says, “This film carries a message of love and peace. I hope people understand the sacrifices made by police personnel to keep us safe and appreciate their efforts more.”
Transition from Music Albums to Feature Films
DGP Kashmir also marks Imtiyaz’s transition from directing music albums to feature films. “After directing many albums, I realised I had gained enough experience to tell a larger story. I wanted to make a film that people would remember for years, and that led me to direct DGP Kashmir,” he concludes.
