Shooting of films at ASI monuments is going to become a bit easier, at least procedurally. Government is planning to decrease the permission time required for shooting. Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge) Prahlad Singh Patel in a virtual conversation with FICCI Frames said that there will be no need to wait longer for permission to shoot films in any of the monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Patel said that film makers will get permission of shooting within 3 weeks after applying online on the ASI website.
He said that this will not only promote the shooting of films in India but will also increase the popularity of Indian monuments. However, Patel urged film industry to shoot in less popular ASI monuments along with known ones, so that world can get information about those monuments as well.
In order to promote film tourism, he said that the Indian film industry should explore more domestic sites, especially in the Northeast and Himalayan regions so that the country and the world will get to know more about their natural beauty and vibrant culture. “We should all work to ensure that we let our citizens know more about their country. COVID-19 has taught us the importance of Indian lifestyle, which is simple to lead, accessible, and healthy,” said Patel.
Tourism minister said that post COVID-19, wellness tourism will pick up at a much faster pace. He added that world over, people have started respecting the Indian traditional health techniques. “It is imperative that we must change our perception about tourism and ensure that our brand image is improved. Initially, we will have a slow start, but I assure you that once we attain the pace, no other country will be able to match us,” said Patel.
He also said that to promote tourism, both in India and internationally, states will have to play a major role. “Our states are an important stakeholder, and without their support, we cannot give safety assurance to our domestic and international tourists. Safety guarantee is a combined effort of all stakeholders,” Anurradha Prasad, Chairperson and MD, BAG Films & Media Ltd., said adding, “FICCI will work with the government to ensure that we strongly promote our Indian traditions and culture across the world.”