Sunil Shetty and Pushkar Singh Dhami Meet Over Uttarakhand’s Film Policy
Big movie ideas sometimes start with simple meetings. On June 11, 2025, seasoned Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty sat down with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun to hash out the future of the state’s film industry. The buzz? Both men looked at how a fresh approach to the film policy could turn Uttarakhand into a go-to destination for filmmakers from across India.
Shetty, who’s no stranger to action-packed shooting schedules in striking locations, joined CM Dhami to discuss what needs to be done for the state to shine on the big screen. The Chief Minister even posted snaps from their meet on Instagram, sharing smiles and that all-important handshake.
Bollywood’s Growing Interest in Uttarakhand
The meeting wasn’t just for photo ops. Uttarakhand has grown more popular among filmmakers lately, thanks to its stunning hills and cities. Both Dhami and Shetty seemed keen on stirring up more interest in local shoots by improving the rules, offering friendly incentives, and making things easier for movie crews to work here. This means boosting job opportunities and tourism as well—a win-win for locals and Bollywood alike.
Sunil Shetty’s stopover didn’t come out of nowhere. He recently starred in 'Kesari Veer', a film produced by Kanu Chauhan and directed by Prince Dhiman. The story goes back to the 14th century, spotlighting the bravery of warriors who protected the Somnath temple. Shetty’s knack for picking powerful roles has put him on the radar for more epic projects—he’s soon to feature in 'The Legend of Somnath', 'Welcome to the Jungle', the upcoming 'Nanda Devi' series by Lionsgate, and 'Hunter 3'.
The new film policy in the works aims to make it a breeze for production houses to set up shop in Uttarakhand. That could mean smoother permissions, better infrastructure in remote locales, and maybe even subsidies for projects that put the state’s views on film. The state already has some experience as a backdrop for several Bollywood titles, but most productions still flock to Mumbai or Goa. The meeting tried to change that pattern by laying out strategies for a more filmmaker-friendly Uttarakhand.
CM Dhami emphasized wanting to help the industry grow and hinted at more support in his social posts. Both sides seemed upbeat about the potential for cooperation, signaling a bigger push for policy tweaks and industry-friendly changes. It’s the kind of groundwork that could open new doors for the next generation of filmmakers and stars. Behind the scenes, these talks mark a real step toward reshaping Uttarakhand’s link with Indian cinema.