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Last Updated: April 25, 2025, 04:14 IST
Emraan Hashmi also elaborated on Bollywood’s embrace of diverse talents and backgrounds.
Emraan Hashmi’s newest film, Ground Zero, premiered in theaters today.
The film marks an important milestone as it became the first to hold a red-carpet premiere in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, in 38 years, showcasing the region’s cinematic potential. This event occurred on April 18, shortly before the heartbreaking terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Emraan reflected on the historical ‘turmoil’ that the region has experienced.
Ground Zero narrates the gripping story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, who was instrumental in the operation that took down terrorist Ghazi Baba in 2003.
“Kashmir is a stunningly beautiful place filled with incredible people but has faced significant challenges due to the insurgency from the late 90s to the early 2000s,” the actor noted, emphasizing that these themes are integral to the film.
The premiere was a unifying occasion, attended by soldiers, BSF officers, as well as the film’s cast and crew. Emraan expressed optimism that the event could contribute to restoring a sense of normalcy in the Valley. “The cinema hall provides a communal space where individuals from various backgrounds can come together. Experiencing a film collectively evokes shared emotions, highlighting the power of cinema as a unifying force,” he remarked.
Discussing the inclusive nature of Bollywood, Emraan shared his views on the industry’s welcoming attitude towards talent from different cultural and regional backgrounds. “Bollywood is fundamentally a secular and liberal industry. It doesn’t matter where you hail from; it’s about contributing creativity and ideas. Our industry thrives on diversity, which serves as a strong binding force,” he stated.
Curious about the Reception by the real-life BSF officer portrayed in the film, Emraan revealed that he had already viewed it twice. He recalled watching it with the officer in Delhi last November, where the officer expressed immense satisfaction. “He mentioned it exceeded his expectations and transported him back to 2001. While he initially had concerns regarding how we would depict the events—fearing a jingoistic approach—his worries were alleviated upon viewing. On the first day of filming, he was unsure, being unfamiliar with the film industry. However, after watching the final product, he appreciated our work,” Emraan enthusiastically conveyed.
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