Vedang Raina returns to Kashmir, closes film festival; his film sparks cultural pride

Vedang Raina, a native of Kashmir, recently returned to his homeland for the first time in many years to attend the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir. The festival, held in Srinagar, opened with a special tribute to the director when his feature film Main Vaapas Aaunga was selected to close the event last week.

Raina, who has spent most of his life away from the valley, said the trip felt like a homecoming. "I was going back to Kashmir only for the second time in my entire life and that place is very special to me as it is home," he told reporters. He added that the opportunity to showcase his film in Srinagar was the perfect way to reconnect with his roots, and that his parents were moved by his decision to give back to the community that raised him.

The film itself explores the universal theme of leaving one’s home and the longing to return. Raina noted that this narrative resonates strongly with Kashmiris, who have endured significant upheaval over the decades—from the Partition to the turmoil of the 1990s that saw the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. "The emotion of leaving everything behind and then starting afresh remains," he said.

Raina expressed surprise at the enthusiasm of the local audience. "I didn’t even realise what kind of an audience Kashmir has for movies. I know that people there care about art and culture, but it’s through this film festival, I got to learn more about them," he remarked. He added that Kashmir deserves more theatrical and cinematic exposure, and that contributing to the region’s cultural scene felt especially meaningful.

Beyond the festival, Raina praised the valley’s natural beauty and cuisine. He recalled the breathtaking landscapes of Pahalgam and Gulmarg, and described the Wazwan he enjoyed as “amazing.” He also mentioned a favorite local treat, walnut fudge, and expressed hope that the film would leave a lasting impact.

In a lighthearted aside, Raina acknowledged that filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is arguably more familiar with Kashmir than he is. "I have a connection with the place but Imtiaz Ali sir knows Kashmir way better than I do. He knows even the smallest places there," he laughed. He expressed a desire to work on a future film set in Kashmir with Ali, hoping that a collaboration could bring even more attention to the region’s cinematic potential.