Kashmir Snowfall Brings Kannada Film Productions to a Standstill
The recent intense snowfall that blanketed Jammu and Kashmir has not only disrupted daily life but has also brought film shoots in the picturesque region to an abrupt halt. Actors and crews from the vibrant Kannada film industry, who were on location for various projects, found themselves forced to pause, reschedule, and adapt as nature took centre stage in an unexpected turn of events.
Priyanka Upendra's 18-Hour Road Ordeal in Srinagar
Actress Priyanka Upendra, who is currently in Srinagar for the shoot of her son Aayush's debut film, shared her harrowing experience with Bangalore Times. "We were stuck on the road for 18 hours," Priyanka revealed, detailing the challenges faced by her team.
Recounting their ordeal, Priyanka explained, "We were initially scheduled to fly from Jammu to Srinagar on the day of the snowfall, but flights were cancelled. We then had to travel by road. With snow blocking the roads and multiple checkpoints along the Jammu–Srinagar route, it took us 18 hours to finally reach our destination."
Having lived in the United States and experienced extreme weather conditions during her time there, Priyanka said she tried to remain calm throughout the situation. "I was more concerned about the younger members of the crew. What we witnessed was unprecedented. It reminded us that when nature takes over, all you can do is bow down to it," she reflected.
She added that her husband, actor Upendra, had joined them on set for a few days, but his return plans had to be postponed due to the severe weather conditions. "He finally managed to get himself a ticket on a flight back to Bengaluru on Thursday," Priyanka noted. The film's team plans to remain in Srinagar until the end of February, hoping for better weather ahead.
Ramesh Aravind's Fascination Amid Travel Chaos in Pahalgam
Despite witnessing one of the heaviest snowfall spells in the region, veteran actor Ramesh Aravind, who was in Pahalgam shooting for his film Yours Sincerely, Ram, expressed admiration for the experience. "I've seen snowfall in many countries, including Switzerland and the United States. But seeing snow in Kashmir is unparalleled," he said enthusiastically.
Ramesh and his team were stationed in Pahalgam, shooting in bright sunlight for most of their schedule. "Despite forecasts predicting snowfall, it didn't happen — until suddenly it did. Flights were cancelled, and traffic was at a standstill everywhere," he recounted. The actor found it fascinating to watch how tyres are chained for grip on snow-covered roads, a sight unfamiliar to many from southern India.
The actor, who had commitments back home and needed to return, managed to secure a single seat on a flight to Bengaluru two days later. However, the rest of his crew faced longer delays. "The hotel-to-airport journey usually takes two hours; it took me three even though I left in the wee hours. My crew left later and took nine hours on the same route," he shared, highlighting the unpredictable nature of travel during such weather events.
"Plans had to change, delays happened, and nature took over — we were just witnesses," Ramesh reflected philosophically. "Yet, I chose to marvel at the beauty of it all. Life doesn't always pan out the way you plan it. It's the challenges and how you deal with them that make things interesting," he added, offering a positive perspective on the disruption.
Impact on Regional Film Industry and Future Plans
The unexpected snowfall has highlighted several key aspects of film production in challenging environments:
- Travel disruptions affecting both cast and crew movements
- Schedule adjustments requiring flexibility from production teams
- Safety considerations for younger crew members in extreme conditions
- Logistical challenges including road closures and flight cancellations
Both actors emphasized that while the snowfall created significant obstacles, it also provided a unique backdrop that could enhance their films visually. The Kannada film industry's presence in Kashmir demonstrates the region's continued appeal as a shooting destination despite weather uncertainties.
As production teams adapt to these challenges, the experience serves as a reminder of nature's unpredictable power and the resilience required in filmmaking. The teams plan to continue their shoots once conditions improve, hoping to capture Kashmir's beauty in both its snowy and sunny manifestations.
