Shimla, October 11
The picturesque hill state has always remained a favourite destination for filmmakers. And to facilitate them, the Himachal Government will soon introduce a single-window clearance system to allow them to shoot films in the region.

A proposal for a Film Centre in the state is also in the pipeline. Film director Ramesh Sippy, who spent 15 days in Shimla shooting for his film “Shimla Mirchi”, held discussions with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Vice-Chairman of the Tourism Development Board Vijai Singh Mankotia earlier this week.

“Ramesh Sippy and his wife Kiran Juneja have promised they will facilitate talks with the directors and producers Guild in Mumbai as everyone is keen to shoot within India provided there are adequate facilities,” said Mankotia.

Six states in the country, including Goa, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, offer special incentives to the film industry. “We are also planning something similar so that incentives such as hotel stay, transportation and equipment can be given to film units. It will also promote tourism as Himachal will get free publicity the world over through films,” said Mankotia.