Plans afoot to turn Gurugram into hub of show business

Gurugram: The Haryana Cabinet, during its meeting presided over by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday, decided to accord 'industry status' to cinemas business in the state and to promote Gurugram as the state's entertainment capital.

Owing to its image of a corporate city, Gurugram has been a preferred location for filmmakers. And sources in the Haryana government stated that it wants to turn the city into a hub of investment in films and the entertainment business.

With the BJP-led state government's policy, not only will shooting permits be issued easily in Gurugram, but a film festival would also be likely held in the city every year.

A film school may also be likely open in the outskirts of Gurugram. Noted actor and filmmaker Satish Kaushik will assist the government towards enhancing the entertainment industry in the state as well as in Gurugram.

There are also talks of involving prominent Haryanavi film personalities like Subhash Ghai and Randeep Hooda to find avenues for investment in the state.

In the past, Gurugram has not only been the shooting spot for Hindi films like Peepli Live (2010), Aurangzeb (2012) and Bewakoofiyan (2014), but the city's theme has played an important role in forming the story too.

Moreover, various regional films, ad films and even international projects have been shot in the Millennium City. With Gurugram growing in stature and importance, places in its outskirts like Pataudi, Farrukhnagar and Nuh – which hold historical significance – will also be promoted by the government.

Sources said for years, the need was felt to enhance the role Gurugram as one of the major avenues for investment in the entertainment sector. But the plans had not materialised.

However, during the 2017 Pravasi Haryanvi Divas celebrated in Gurugram, various proposals were discussed on Gurugram can lead the way in the state towards making a mark in films and entertainment.

"There is no doubt that a lot needs to be done for Haryana to make a mark in entertainment and films. A start has been made and it will definitely yield fruitful results," said a senior government official.