If Salman can shoot in Kashmir then anyone can: Kabir Khan

Mumbai: Director Kabir Khan says he deliberately shot his upcoming film "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", starring Salman Khan, in Kashmir to boost tourism in the militancy-torn Valley.

Salman, 49, shot an extensive schedule of the film in Kashmir for the first time and thoroughly loved the experience.

"We had a long 40-day schedule to be shot in Kashmir. As everyone was talking about the problems in that region we thought if he can show the other side of Kashmir. If a star like Salman can shoot in Kashmir then anyone can. We hope more and more films and actors will go there and shoot," Kabir told reporters here last night at a song launch event.

"The locals were very accommodating and ensured they do not come in the way. It was a great experience shooting there," he said.

Both Salman and Kabir shot there because they wanted to give tourism a boost. "There is a myth that people have about Kashmir... We wanted to break that. We wanted to promote tourism, show the positive side," Salman said.

Also starring Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and child actor Harshali Malhotra in the lead, "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" is all set to release on July 17.

"I am not nervous. I am not stressed out. I am happy, there is excitement about the film. There is a great buzz about the film...This time it is more than 'Ek Tha Tiger' (last film of Kabir and Salman). I am looking forward to the release," Kabir said.