Jimmy Shergil's love story!

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Tension or not, Kashmir still continues to lure the Hindi film industry.

The crimson Chinar leaves and the snowcapped mountains are attraction the filmmakers cannot resist.

What's more, chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah is ever ready to play host to the matinee idols.

So when filmmaker Girish Jain landed in Kashmir last week to shoot his untitled film in the Valley, security guards were waiting for him at the airport. The film, directed by S V Rajinder Singh, is based on a love story with Jimmy Shergil in the lead role. The film also introduces Bhumika Singh as heroine.

The unit has since been shooting at various locations in Srinagar and in Kangan -- on the Srinagar-Kargil road -- under tight security.

A large CRPF battalion has been deployed to provide security for the unit. Rajneesh, a unit coordinator, explains, "The state government has provided us with proper security and other facilities so that the shooting proceeds smoothly."

"Shooting in Kashmir is a great experience -- we're enjoying it. The people here are good," says Rajneesh. "We will finalise the title very soon."

The famous choreographer, Saroj Khan, was also in Srinagar along with the unit.

Adds Rajneesh, "We are planning to shoot the complete film in Kashmir."

The unit was a trifle disappointed as the Valley is yet to experience its first snowfall this year even though the higher reaches have already covered with a thick white carpet. The entire unit will return to Bombay on December 11. However, they plan to return to Srinagar early next year to continue with the shooting.

As for Dr Abdullah, he could not be happier. He says, "Shooting in the beautiful Valley is a boon for Kashmir tourism."