Bollywood's original exotic destination has no cinema halls. The place where nearly 80 films have been shot, from 1961's Junglee to 2015's Bajrangi Bhaijaan, has had its cinema halls shut for last three decades. Kashmir, also known as the 'Paradise on Earth' or 'Switzerland of Asia', has been the preferred destination for Bollywood. They can shoot films here, but can't screen. The reasons are different; for some it is a religious matter in this Muslim majority Himalayan valley of Kashmir, while for many it has political reasons.

Bollywood has been pitching hard for opening of cinemas in Kashmir, but there are few takers.

There is a large number of people who want the cinemas to remain shut. Those who want to watch movies on the big screen, however, choose to remain silent, fearing consequences if they were to voice their thoughts.

Noted poet and historian Zareef Ahmed Zareef said that instead of advocating opening of cinemas, Bollywood should try to know the reason behind the closure of cinemas in the Valley.

"They should try to know why the cinemas are defunct. We (Kashmiris) are suffering from headache and these people are trying to treat our feet. The main disease is Kashmir issue which awaits resolution for decades. Re-opening of cinemas will not cure this disease", he told ScoopWhoop over the telephone.

Zareef believes that people like Salman Khan want to open cinemas in Kashmir, because it is related to their business.