Wish to hold concert in Kashmir soon: Salim Merchant
Salim Merchant has travelled the world and done shows in various countries, but one place that’s definitely on his list next is Kashmir. “I have performed across the world, but Kashmir is the only place where I’ve not performed yet. It is my wish to hold a concert here in the near future. I hope it’s fulfilled soon,” says the musician, who was recently in the Valley to shoot for a music video with Indian Idol season 10 winner Salman Ali and Mateena Rajput, a young Kashmiri actor.
Impressed by the work of Kashmiris, Merchant, from the music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman, calls the place “full of talent”. “They are born actors, but what they need is the right guidance and platform,” he adds.
In fact, the music video is being directed by a Kashmiri filmmaker, and also features young talented Kashmiris.
“Some are acting on screen, some have organised our shoot and others are handling production and post-production,” shares Merchant, 45.
The video has been shot at locations including Pahalgam and Dal Lake in Srinagar, and Merchant admits being in awe of them. He also feels Kashmir serves as the “perfect location” for shooting films. “Wherever you set the camera, it makes for a perfect view. More film units need to shoot here, so as to give a boost to local tourism and the people involved in shooting,” the musician opines.
Interestingly, this was the first time he visited Kashmir. “It’s truly heaven on earth,” he exclaims, adding, “Its food, people and hospitality all are mind-blowing. I relished wazwan, harissa, kahwa and noon chai. I’m in love with the place,” ends Merchant, who has composed music for films such as Fashion (2008), Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) and Coolie No. 1 (2020), among others.