Bollywood made a triumphant return to the Kashmir Valley, marking history with its first red-carpet film screening in nearly four decades. Farhan Akhtar played a central role in hosting this monumental event, aimed at honoring the Border Security Force (BSF) officers and jawans, with a screening of Excel Entertainment’s ‘Ground Zero’. This event, held in Srinagar, symbolizes a renewed connection between the film industry and a region once renowned as the crown jewel of Indian cinema.
Farhan Akhtar shared his enthusiasm for the event on Instagram by posting, “Honored to host a screening for BSF & CISF officers and jawans in Srinagar. This was the first red carpet film event in the city after 38 years and was celebrated with the hope that this will be the start of a new era in Bollywood’s love affair with Kashmir. Thank you to J&K police, BSF forces, @arhan.bagati and all those in administration who helped facilitate the filming and the event. ‘Ground Zero’ releases this Friday, 25th April. Do watch it in the theatres.”
Adding to the excitement, Emraan Hashmi, who plays the lead in the film, expressed his sentiments through a post on the platform X, previously known as Twitter, sharing a photograph alongside BSF personnel. He captioned it, “With the real heroes – our BSF – and Mr. Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey.”
The screening has been seen as a significant milestone not only for the cinema industry but also for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, rekindling the area’s historic ties with Bollywood. ‘Ground Zero’ recounts one of the most daring BSF missions from the past half-century. Emraan Hashmi takes on the role of Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, marking his first portrayal of an army officer. Sai Tamhankar complements the film’s narrative by portraying the commanding officer’s wife, adding depth and emotional resonance to the storyline.
The film is the brainchild of Excel Productions, under the expertise of Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, it features contributions from co-producers Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. Scheduled for release on April 25, 2025, ‘Ground Zero’ promises to offer gripping action and heartfelt drama, attracting audiences to cinemas nationwide.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the premiere of ‘Ground Zero’ has positively impacted both Bollywood and Kashmir, paving the way for future collaborations and engagements in the Valley. With Farhan Akhtar at the helm, this historic screening sets a hopeful precedence for renewed cinematic endeavors in the region, echoing a message of reconciliation and cultural awakening. It is anticipated that audiences will embrace these new chapters of storytelling, enriched by the country’s diverse landscapes and narratives.
