SRINAGAR: In a momentous cultural event, the Bollywood film Ground Zero held its much-anticipated premiere at INOX Cinema in Srinagar, marking the first such red carpet movie launch in the Valley in over four decades. The premiere witnessed a powerful blend of glamour, gratitude, and patriotism as Bollywood actors walked the red carpet alongside BSF jawans, symbolizing the film’s deep connection with India’s security forces.
Leading the evening’s star-studded attendance were Bollywood actors Emraan Hashmi and Sai Tamhankar, along with the film’s director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar. The film, which portrays the courageous journey of a BSF Deputy Commandant, was produced on a grand scale and extensively shot in the Kashmir Valley.
Prominent personalities from Jammu and Kashmir graced the occasion, turning the premiere into not just a cinematic celebration, but also a strong symbol of the region’s return to cultural normalcy.
Among the high-profile attendees was Umar Tramboo, owner of the internationally acclaimed Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg, who joined the gathering of dignitaries and guests. Also present was former IPS officer SM Sahai, who has retired as an ADGP rank officer. He also served as an Additional Secretary, Internal Affairs Division in the National Security Council Secretariat under the Prime Minister’s Office (2016-2023)
Another prominent attendee was Asif Iqbal Burza, owner of the renowned ITC Welcomhotel Pine N Peak in Pahalgam. In a special gesture, Burza’s name was mentioned in the opening credits of Ground Zero as a mark of gratitude for his assistance during the film’s production in the Valley.
Adding a political touch to the evening, Shammi Oberoi, Treasurer of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference and a close confidante of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was also spotted at the premiere.
The event brought together a mix of actors, producers, security personnel, hoteliers, politicians, and prominent citizens of Kashmir. The red carpet, rolled out for both celebrities and BSF personnel, stood as a powerful visual of the collaboration and respect shared between India’s creative community and its armed forces.
The successful staging of Ground Zero’s premiere in Srinagar after four decades is being hailed as a cultural milestone for the region. It not only underscores Kashmir’s growing appeal as a safe and vibrant location for major film productions, but also signals a renewed enthusiasm for cinema among its people.
With cinema lights once again shining brightly in Srinagar, the premiere of Ground Zero has opened a new chapter in the Valley’s cinematic and cultural journey.
