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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD FEBRUARY 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 35
‘Location Is the Real Hero,’ says Rahul
Mittra at Global Film Tourism Conclave
The filmmaker-actor highlights how cinema can transform destinations into global
tourism magnets at PHDCCI’s 8th Global Film Tourism Conclave in Mumbai
OUR BUREAU producers to deliberate on policy
frameworks and incentives aimed at
Mumbai
strengthening India’s position as a
he PHD Chamber of Com- global filming destination.
merce and Industry (PHD- Prominent attendees included
TCCI) hosted its 8th Global Suman Billa (IAS), Director General,
Film Tourism Conclave in Mumbai Ministry of Tourism, Government of
on Thursday, bringing together pol- India; Jayesh Ranjan (IAS), Special
icymakers, filmmakers, producers Chief Secretary, Tourism, Govern-
and tourism stakeholders to discuss ment of Telangana; Aashish Singh,
the expanding impact of cinema on Producer at Red Chillies Entertain-
destination branding and economic ment; Nitin Tej Ahuja, CEO of the
growth. Producers Guild of India; Prashant
A key highlight of the event was Shishodia, Consulting Senior Editor
the felicitation of filmmaker-actor (Entertainment), NDTV; C Kalyan,
and branding specialist Rahul Mittra Vice President of the Film Federa-
for his contribution to promoting tion of India; Uday Singh, Manag-
film-induced tourism. Address- ing Director of the Motion Picture
ing the special Valedictory Session, Association; and Ravi Kottarakara,
Mittra underscored the importance President of the South Indian Film
of locations in cinema, stating, “Lo- Chamber of Commerce.
cation is the real hero in my films.” Film directors Umesh Shukla,
He shared insights from his Barnali Ray Shukla and Syed Ahmed
filmmaking journey, explaining how Afzal, actors Vipin Sharma and Su-
carefully chosen destinations can el- lakhyana Baruah, casting director
evate narratives while simultaneous- Shivam Gupta, Sulagna Ghosh, Sec-
ly boosting tourism. Citing examples retary PHDCCI, and Rajan Sehgal,
from his work, Mittra spoke about Co-chair PHDCCI, were also pres-
shooting Saheb Biwi aur Gangster ent, along with ambassadors and se-
in Devgarh Baria, Gujarat, and how nior delegates from embassies, con-
the authentic setting helped create a sulates, airlines, hospitality groups
distinctive cinematic world. He also and media houses.
referred to Bullett Raja, shot exten- The discussions focused on
sively in Lucknow, which not only strengthening collaboration be-
captured the cultural texture of Uttar tween the film industry and tour-
Pradesh but also marked a milestone ism authorities, streamlining sin-
as he became the first filmmaker to gle-window clearances, expanding
receive a film subsidy from the state. subsidy frameworks and leveraging
Mittra further mentioned his streaming platforms to attract inter-
Netflix film Torbaaz, starring Sanjay national productions. Participants
Dutt, which was shot in Kyrgyzstan, emphasised that film tourism gener-
making it the first Indian film to be ates employment across hospitality,
filmed extensively in the country. He transport and local businesses, while
noted how cinema can introduce au- enhancing cultural visibility.
diences to new geographies and open The conclave reinforced the
up global tourism opportunities. As growing recognition that cinema is
brand advisor to the Government not merely entertainment but a stra-
of Arunachal Pradesh, he also led a tegic tool for economic development.
widely discussed tourism campaign As Mittra’s remarks highlighted,
marking 50 years of the state’s for- when locations are treated as central
mation. characters rather than backdrops,
The conclave witnessed partic- of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Tourism Boards and Film Com- films can leave a lasting impact —
ipation from senior officials across Ministry of Information & Broad- missions joined filmmakers, pro- both on audiences and on the desti-
ministries, including the Ministry casting. Representatives from State ducers, cinematographers and line nations they showcase.
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