Priyanshu Painyuli always knew that should he ever turn director, his maiden film would be rooted in his home state Uttarakhand. The actor realised the wish with his upcoming directorial venture Jaagar, which stars Sarika Singh. Recognising that the movie showcases the state’s beauty, the government honoured him with the Uttarakhand Icon Awards in late September.
Speaking about the recognition, Painyuli said, “With Jaagar, I wanted to bring the magic of our mountains, stories, and people to the big screen. It’s my way of giving back to the land that raised me. Being recognised by my own state is an honour that motivates me to continue telling stories rooted in my culture.”
The actor, known for his performances in Mirzapur, Extraction (2020), and Rashmi Rocket (2021), wants to actively encourage top production houses to consider the region for shoots. He also hopes to produce more films entirely set and shot in Uttarakhand, thus showcasing the myriad facets of where he comes from. Painyuli added, “The aim is also about showing the state’s real potential and hopefully creating jobs for locals here. Cinema can be a bridge between art and employment. My aim is to bring more projects here, so that the people of Uttarakhand benefit directly from the industry’s growth.”