Now filmmakers coming to Uttar Pradesh: Akhilesh Yadav

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said those, who were earlier afraid of coming to Uttar Pradesh to make films, were now coming to the state due to the new film policy of the government.
"Earlier, when people came from outside, others used to discourage them that where are you going. Now, their own colleagues are saying that you have reached Uttar Pradesh and now take us to the state as well," Akhilesh said.
He launched the website of Film Bandhu, a body set up to execute the film policy, besides distributing subsidy under film policy.
He said the state government has formulated a film policy, which has been a success.

"Thirty movies are being made here and more would be produced in future. A beginning has been made, people are coming to the state and producing films," he said.
The chief minister claimed restoration of the state's identity is a challenge as some tourists are not aware that Taj Mahal is in Uttar Pradesh.

"Even tourists coming to Varanasi believe that it's not in UP, but India. We have to bring back the identity and we will restore it, so that people believe that Taj Mahal is in the state," he said.
Akhilesh said the country could not progress without UP and no other state has culture, heritage, tradition and festivals like the state.

He said the state was the largest in terms of the population and only films which perform well here go on to become hits.
The CM said at a time when a film-city was being developed, efforts would be made that more and more people come to the state.
He assured full cooperation by the state government.
"I think that when work on large scale is being done in other places, then why not UP, specially in and around Lucknow," he said.
He congratulated the Japanese delegation and expressed hope that they would extend support in films produced in the film-city.

Akhilesh said besides being the most populous state, UP was also a big market. "A large number of people of UP origin are working in Mumbai at all levels," he said.
Appreciating noted film maker Muzaffar Ali, Akhilesh said he had made great movies and no other person better knows 'tehzeeb' and culture of the city than him.
He said after coming to power the SP government has done a lot in tourism sector.
"We are not Nawabs, but we have got an opportunity to make old heritage sites more beautiful. There will be no other gate in the world which is more beautiful than Roomi Gate or a marvel like Taj Mahal," he said.