Zee Cine Award in Nepal

Among popular Indian Cinema Awards like International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA Awards), Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards, Zee Cine Awards indeed is a prestigious award that India had been hosting since 1998.

Although halted in 2009 and 2010, this award was resumed and had been gaining hype attention. After 2004, this award had been looking for international spaces like Dubai, London, Mauritus, Malasiya, Macao, Singapore for hosting.

Visit of founder of awards, Jaya Prada, who came here to check feasibility of the show had shown positive sign, though not finalized to host the award in Kathmandu. Since, around 200 Bollywood artists and similar quantity of technicians will be visiting for the award; there certainly would be a huge hassle in Nepal later during December. Since, Prime Minister himself seems to be eager about the event, the interest of nation with benefit to Visit Nepal 2020 campaign indeed would be something to seek in the mean time. After all, Nepal would gain pretty much through this award. It is just that 800 million viewers, who would see Nepal's beauty, but the potential Nepal visitors in upcoming days to foster the tourism business, possibility of shooting Bollywood scenes in Nepal in upcoming days, and Nepal getting close to Bollywood industry as a whole.

Again, for Bollywood, Nepal has always been small but highly profitable segment. Zee has been one important channel in Nepal since long; and hence the charm that Mumbai would grant to Bollywood, will certainly not be any lesser in Kathmandu. There are similar Bollywood fan followings in Nepal in the mean time. An international event in Nepal would certainly be beneficial to Nepal much more, and Nepal would be weighter from every section.

However, there are challenges that Nepal needs not to underestimate. Back then, Salman Khan's show was cancelled in Nepal during the last hour. Dabang Tour was really a failure, and a loss. DeJavu’s incident was pretty clear thereby.

What Nepal needs to stay alert at first is the political environment. Somehow, the world needs to realize that the political support would always be there in Nepal for such events; and Government needs to make assurance of that. Nepal has wonderful five stars to accommodate the stars, and that would not be huge issue. Nepal can manage the stage, be that at great hotels or as per the choice of Government. Although, BICC itself has been one important hall in Nepal; but if the audiences would be limited, there are five stars having adequate sized spaces - that won't be huge troubling issue either. Nepal is great in hospitability, and we are great at welcoming guests. It would not be any hectic thing to please them.

However, the biggest challenge that the organizers might receive in end would be of skepticism over security. Nepal might call upon public holiday in the name of security, or heavy traffic; but if organizers gain the light of fear - that would be the biggest trouble. It would rather be wise to cancel the event space before than cancelling it in the last hour. Because, that would spread negative image of the country with same 8 million viewers; and the similar pros would convert into cons - rather attempting to spoil Visit Nepal 2020 campaign. A global world would rather gain negative message. After all, security would be the next concern.

Again, cancellation of super star's visit in the last moment would again spread negative vibes – both to Bollywood Industry in Nepal and vice versa. Hritik Roshan’s case in his early career should not be forgotten, and Bollywood industry would not want to risk any thing as such again. There exists a mass, who are likely to protest this event. International Event would take these issues seriously of course.

It certainly would be a huge pride for Nepal to host such an International event, opening up the possibilities in upcoming future too. But, if anything goes wrong, Nepal would have to panic till the end. Apart, the news are only up with Nepalese medias, and Indian medias have not yet disclosed it. Zee Team must be strong and matured enough to analyze the feasibility, and our Government must be supportive enough for it.

May the event be grand and memorable, letting Nepal get explored in International arena.

Published in The Rising Nepal's Friday Supplement of August 3, 2018.