Patna: Bihar’s efforts to position itself as a film-friendly destination are beginning to show results, with the state government granting approval for the shooting of more than 37 films, web series and documentary projects.
Several of these projects are already being filmed in Patna and other locations across Bihar, according to Art and Culture Department Secretary Pranav Kumar.
Speaking to reporters at the Samvad conference hall, Kumar said the effective implementation of the Bihar Film Promotion Policy, 2024 has helped make the state more attractive to filmmakers.
“We want to promote film shooting in Bihar, whether in the local language, Hindi or any other language,” Kumar said.
Government Plans to Build Film-Friendly Ecosystem
The state government is now focusing on creating an ecosystem that can support filmmakers beyond simply providing shooting locations.
Kumar said facilities such as quality hotels, roads, security and suitable shooting locations would be important to attract producers and directors to Bihar.
To streamline information about these facilities, the department plans to launch a dedicated film-related website next week. The platform will provide filmmakers with information about available locations and facilities across the state.
The government also plans to upload 3D and virtual reality (VR) views of selected locations on the website. This will allow filmmakers to get an initial idea of a location before conducting a physical inspection.
Historic and Religious Sites to Be Promoted as Film Locations
The department has sought lists of potential shooting locations from District Magistrates and officials across Bihar.
The locations will include sites with historical, religious and cinematic significance. Those identified as having strong potential for film production will be documented and showcased through 3D and VR views on the proposed website.
The initiative is expected to make it easier for producers and directors from outside Bihar to explore the state’s locations.
Bihar Also Working on Film City
The state government is also working towards developing a film city in Bihar.
Kumar said the department first wants to understand the actual requirements of producers and directors before finalising the facilities.
“We do not want to offer facilities that may not be useful to producers and directors,” he said, highlighting the government’s focus on developing a practical infrastructure ecosystem for the film industry.
Guru-Shishya Scheme to Preserve Traditional Arts
The Art and Culture Department has also launched the Mukhya Mantri Guru-Shishya Parampara Yojana to preserve endangered traditional art forms and pass them on to younger generations.
Under the scheme, experts in endangered art forms will be designated as Gurus, while those learning the traditional arts will be known as Shishyas. Each Guru will train up to eight Shishyas.
Training will cover traditional folk arts, music, dance and musical instruments, including art forms such as Jat-Jatni and Manjusha art.
The department has received 233 applications under the scheme so far.
Senior Artists to Receive Monthly Pension
Under the Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana, the Bihar government has decided to provide a monthly pension of ₹3,000 to senior artists who have dedicated their lives to different forms of art.
A total of 85 artists from districts including Patna, Saran, Khagaria, Katihar, Purnea, Banka, Bhojpur, Araria, Jehanabad and Kishanganj have been covered under the scheme.
The initiative aims to help senior artists live with greater financial security and dignity.
Over 3,800 Artists Registered on Government Portal
The department has also launched an integrated portal for artists, with more than 3,800 artists from different fields registering so far.
The portal is intended to create a comprehensive database containing information such as an artist’s name, age and field of art.
According to the department, the database will support data-driven planning, greater transparency and targeted welfare measures for artists.
Bihar Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Chhath Puja
The state government has also requested the Centre to include Chhath Puja on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
According to Kumar, the festival has preserved folk songs, rituals, oral traditions and community practices across generations. UNESCO recognition could provide Chhath with greater international visibility and highlight Bihar’s cultural heritage globally.
244 New Posts Created Across Cultural Institutions
The department has created 244 posts across various institutions and areas, including the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation Ltd, museums and departmental restructuring.
Of these:
- 38 posts have been created for the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation Ltd.
- 25 posts are for strengthening and reorganising the department and cadre.
- 139 posts have been created for the expansion of the Museum Directorate.
- 42 posts have been created for the smooth functioning of the Buddha Samyak Darshan Sangrahalaya-cum-Smariti.
The government says the recruitment and expansion measures are aimed at strengthening Bihar’s cultural infrastructure while creating a stronger institutional framework for the state’s growing film and arts ecosystem.
