Himachali artists showcase their talent alongside Mumbai actors
Munish Sood
Mandi
The picturesque Janjehli Valley of Himachal Pradesh is currently buzzing with the sounds of “camera, lights, and action” as a mysterious folklore-inspired story is being brought to life on screen. A web series titled “The Snow Bride” is presently being filmed in the region, blending mythology, suspense, and mountain culture against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas.
The series is being written and produced by CL Saini, a Mumbai-based writer known for mythological storytelling. The project draws inspiration from a folk tale of the Jaunsar Babar region of Uttarakhand, where Saini spent his childhood. According to him, the story has been developed after extensive research into local beliefs, legends, and folklore associated with the mountains.
The cast includes several well-known television actors such as Bhumika Gurung, Deep Raj Rana, Ravindra Kumar, and Ishan, along with a number of talented performers from Shimla, Mandi, and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh, who are playing important roles in the series.
Saini explained that the storyline is rooted in traditional mountain beliefs. In the Jaunsar Babar region, he had often heard elders narrate legends about mysterious mountain spirits and supernatural influences. Local women also spoke about the influence of a mountain deity, similar to Narsingh Devta revered in parts of Himachal Pradesh. Building on these elements, the story introduces the concept of a Yeti-like mythical figure and its mysterious bride—symbolically portrayed as the “Snow Bride.” The narrative explores how certain individuals manipulate divine beliefs to weave conspiracies, while also reflecting the culture, traditions, and mythological ethos of the Himalayan region.
Explaining why Janjehli Valley was chosen as the primary shooting location, Saini said the region closely resembles the geography, lifestyle, and cultural environment described in the original folklore. Art Director Chokas Bhardwaj, who hails from Dharamshala, added that the area has hosted film shoots earlier as well, and the local residents are extremely cooperative and welcoming. The production team finalized the location after watching Mandi-based director Pawan Sharma’s film “Breena.” When they visited Janjehli, the valley was covered in snow, making it a perfect setting for the theme of “Snow Bride.”
The web series is being produced under the banner of CL Entertainer Private Limited and is expected to be released on the Hungama OTT platform by the end of April. The series will consist of six episodes and promises a gripping mix of suspense and thriller, interwoven with mountain folklore and cultural narratives. Importantly, it also provides a significant platform for local Himachali artists to showcase their acting talent.
CL Saini, originally from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, is an alumnus of the Shri Ram Centre in Delhi and has been actively involved in scriptwriting and production for over 25 years. In the past, he has written scripts for several popular mythological television shows including Laddu Gopal, Devo Ke Dev, Siya Ke Ram, Vikram Betal, Naagin, and Ganesh–Kartikeya.
Immense Potential for Film Production in Himachal
Speaking about the future of filmmaking in the state, Saini emphasized that Himachal Pradesh still remains largely unexplored in cinema. He noted that films have mostly showcased locations like Shimla, Manali, Spiti, and Ladakh, while many other equally stunning regions remain unnoticed.
“Himachal’s landscapes are so breathtaking that filmmakers do not need to travel abroad for scenic locations. Areas like Shikari Valley are no less beautiful than Switzerland,” he said.
He also suggested that if the government introduces a single-window clearance system for film permissions, it would greatly simplify the process for filmmakers and attract more productions to the state. Establishing a film city in Himachal could further boost the industry by providing access to equipment, lighting systems, and post-production facilities locally, eliminating the need to transport extensive infrastructure from Mumbai.
With its blend of mythology, suspense, and Himalayan culture, “The Snow Bride” aims not only to entertain audiences but also to spotlight the cinematic potential of Himachal Pradesh and its talented local artists.
