Srinagar’s picturesque Dal Lake recently transformed into an unique open-air floating cinema for the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir 2026, captivating audiences with Bollywood classics against a stunning natural backdrop.
IMAGE: Junglee on a floating screen on Dal Lake. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff
Key Points
- The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 introduced an unique floating cinema on Srinagar’s Dal Lake.
- The initiative allowed visitors to watch films, including 1960s blockbusters Junglee and Kashmir Ki Kali with the scenic mountains and city lights as a backdrop.
- The four-day festival showcased films shot in Kashmir, offering audiences a chance to see familiar locations on the big screen.
Kashmir has become even more magical. Scroll down to see what we mean.
IMAGE: A floating screen on Dal Lake showcasing a film. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff
The Dal Lake in Srinagar became a special venue for cinema as the IFFJK 2026 brings a floating theatre to its waters, allowing visitors to watch films with the mountains and city lights in the backdrop.
The four-day festival has turned the lake into an open-air cinema, with a large floating screen set up on the water.
Showcasing Kashmiri Cinema and Classics
IMAGE: A floating screen on Dal Lake showcasing a film. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff
The Floating Cinema opened with the screening of Shammi Kapoor’s 1961 classic Junglee, which was shot extensively in Kashmir.
IMAGE: A floating screen on Dal Lake showcasing a film. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff
A visitor, Aditi Sharma, told ANI that the floating cinema was a “very unique” experience and something that had not been seen in Kashmir before.
“This is the first time something like this has happened in Kashmir. We’ve never had a floating cinema here before, most of the movies being showcased are Kashmir-based,” she said.
A Memorable Cinematic Experience
IMAGE: Kashmir Ki Kali on a floating screen on Dal Lake. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff
Shammi Kapoor’s 1964 film, Kashmir Ki Kali, co-starring Sharmila Tagore, was also screened at the Floating Cinema.
IMAGE: A floating screen on Dal Lake showcasing a film. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff
The Floating Cinema concluded on Thursday, September 10.
Photographs curated by Satish Bodas/Rediff
