“Kaash hum 'Kashmir' mein bhi ‘shoot’ kar paate” – ‘Roja’ (1992) heroine Madhoo ney aisay kyun kahaa thha ? By Chaitanya Padukone

Mani Ratnam, a renowned filmmaker, initially planned to shoot his 1992 film "Roja" in Kashmir, capturing the region's unique landscapes and integrating its beauty into the movie's narrative

Due to real-life terrorism and safety concerns in Kashmir at the time, the film's shooting locations were shifted to other scenic hill stations like Coonoor, Ooty, and Kulu-Manali in Himachal Pradesh

The film's cinematographer, Santosh Sivan, noted that many scenes were originally designed to highlight Kashmiri landscapes, with the script emphasizing the region's snow-filled beauty

The movie, featuring Madhoo and Arvind Swamy, was completed in under two months despite the location challenges, utilizing alternate sites to replicate the intended Kashmiri backdrop

Actress Madhoo expressed that while the film showcased lovely locations, shooting in actual Kashmir might have enhanced its natural grandeur and scenic beauty

The film "Roja" is remembered for its musical thriller theme with underlying elements of terrorism and kidnapping, making it a significant work in Mani Ratnam's career

The article reflects on the impact of geopolitical issues on filmmaking, highlighting the creative adaptations necessary when original plans are disrupted by real-world events

"Roja" remains a landmark film, known for its compelling narrative and the way it navigated production challenges to deliver a visually captivating experience