Bhopal recently hosted a significant Tourism Summit, uniting prominent figures from the tourism and entertainment sectors. Among the key attendees were Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Madhya Pradesh’s Tourism Minister Dharmendra Lodhi, who engaged in discussions on strategies to enhance tourism in the state.

Pankaj Tripathi took the spotlight, reflecting on his experiences filming in Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted the state’s hidden beauty and its emerging importance as a preferred destination for filmmakers.

“I recall attending a film festival in Goa while working on *Stree* in Chanderi. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla pointed out that I had filmed four successful movies here—*Stree*, *Stree 2*, *Oh My God 2*, and *Luka Chhupi*. This state has been incredibly fortunate for me,” Tripathi shared.

He excitedly recounted a remarkable 20-day road trip he took across the state while shooting a tourism film, visiting prominent sites such as Bhimbetka, Sanchi, Gwalior, and Vidisha. “After the monsoon, I fell in love with the landscapes. The beauty of Madhya Pradesh is truly enchanting,” he expressed.

Tripathi also shared his memorable experience in Khajuraho during the filming of *Fukrey 3*, especially his time spent at Panna National Park. “I had an unforgettable 15-night stay at the Madhya Pradesh Tourism guesthouse near the park. It was not just about spotting tigers; it was about immersing myself in the untouched jungle. The sounds of the forest under the moonlight were magical,” he reminisced.

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Emphasizing the state’s rich natural heritage, Tripathi encouraged travelers to explore Madhya Pradesh’s forests rather than seeking wildlife experiences abroad. “There’s no need to travel to South Africa for a forest adventure. We have expansive and stunning forests right here in Madhya Pradesh,” he asserted.

He also remarked on the state’s filmmaker-friendly atmosphere. Unlike other places that face challenges with crowd control, Madhya Pradesh offers filmmakers tranquility and support. “The local community is cooperative, and there are minimal disruptions. It’s an ideal shooting location,” he noted.

While Pankaj Tripathi brought emotional and artistic perspectives to the summit, discussions also centered on more pragmatic aspects—expanding Madhya Pradesh’s tourism sector. The state government has announced ambitious initiatives to attract investors, designating over 1,000 hectares of land for tourism infrastructure development.

To stimulate investment, the government rolled out the Tourism Policy 2025 and Film Tourism Policy 2025, which provide exclusive incentives for businesses. These policies incorporate capital grants ranging from 15 to 30 percent and long-term land leases of up to 90 years at competitive rates. These measures aim to establish Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination for travel and filmmaking in India.