MPTM
Madhya Pradesh is a 'nursery of talent', says Gajraj Rao at MPTM; 'Panchayat' actress Sunita Rajwar remarks 'state gives maternal home feel'
Bhopal: A panel discussion on “The Future of the Film Sector in Madhya Pradesh: From Reel to Real Growth” was organized during the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart, focusing on the state’s growing stature as a global hub for filmmaking.
Eminent filmmakers, actors, and industry experts participated, sharing their perspectives on the evolving film ecosystem in Madhya Pradesh.
The travel mart was organised for three days from October 11 to 13.
' Madhya Pradesh is a film city in itself’
Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism, Culture and Home) and Managing Director of MP Tourism Board, Shiv Shekhar Shukla, said that “Madhya Pradesh, in itself, is a film city.”
Every location in the state, he noted, is picturesque and adds to the visual appeal of a film.
He emphasized that Madhya Pradesh offers a safe and peaceful environment for filmmaking, supported by efficient line producers who have made the process seamless for producers and directors.
Film-friendly policies driving growth
Additional Managing Director of MP Tourism Board, Bidisha Mukherjee, highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has now become one of the most preferred states for film shooting.
According to her, the three major reasons behind this success are: film-friendly policies; ease of doing business, and breathtaking shooting locations.
The Film Tourism Policy provides attractive incentives for projects that focus on local culture, women-centric themes, regional languages, or local artists.
The transparent and swift single-window clearance system has further simplified procedures.
Beyond infrastructure and policy, Mukherjee credited the “shooting-friendly people of Madhya Pradesh” who create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for film crews, making the state feel like home.
A nursery of talent, says actor Gajraj Rao
Theatre and film actor Gajraj Rao praised the enthusiasm and professionalism of tourism officials in Madhya Pradesh, noting that their commitment directly translates into smoother film productions.
He added that the courteous and cooperative nature of local communities further enhances the experience.
“Madhya Pradesh has a rich legacy of literature and theatre,” he said, “and can rightly be called a nursery of talent. There’s no need to bring supporting actors from Mumbai — the state itself has a pool of skilled local artists, simplifying filmmakers’ work.”
Feels like returning to my maternal home, says actress Sunita Rajwar
Acclaimed actress Sunita Rajwar, known for her roles in Gullak and Panchayat, shared her emotional connection with the state.
“Working in Madhya Pradesh feels like coming to my maayka (maternal home),” she said. “The soil and the atmosphere here have a warmth that binds actors, producers, writers, and filmmakers alike.”
Rajwar, whose cinematic journey began in Madhya Pradesh, expressed deep gratitude toward the state, adding that “artists from Madhya Pradesh are in no way behind their Mumbai counterparts — in fact, they are moving ahead.”
All script elements found in Madhya Pradesh, says director Vishal Furia
Film director Vishal Furia recounted his early experiences filming episodes of Savdhaan India in 2016–17.
“The warmth of the local people left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “When I returned to Mumbai, I encouraged my colleagues to shoot in Madhya Pradesh. Every element a script demands can be found here.”
A privilege to work with Madhya Pradesh artists, says Swanand Kirkire
Writer, singer, composer, and actor Swanand Kirkire described Bhopal as “a city of artists.”
“It is not just the fortune of local artists, but also of filmmakers who get the opportunity to work with them,” he said.
Applauding the Tourism Department’s efforts to showcase the stories of Madhya Pradesh to the world, Kirkire also delighted the audience with a rendition of his popular song ‘Bawra Mann’.
Spanish filmmakers praise Madhya Pradesh’s film ecosystem
Spanish filmmaker Ana Saura lauded Madhya Pradesh for establishing its presence in the international film market.
“With its film-friendly policies, attractive subsidies, and post-production facilities, the state is poised to become a hub for global film production,” she noted.
Similarly, Lara Molina from the Spain Film Commission (SFC) described filming in Madhya Pradesh as “a delightful experience.”
She expressed her intention to return for future projects and to invite other filmmakers to shoot in the state.
Showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s journey in film tourism
During the discussion, a short film highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s cinematic journey, its scenic shooting destinations, and the Film Tourism Policy was screened, offering participants a glimpse into the state’s growing film infrastructure and potential.
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