Nagpur: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday, July 20, revealed that renowned television and film producer Ekta Kapoor has shown keen interest in establishing a film studio in Nagpur — a move that could provide a major boost to the city’s entertainment, tourism, and service sectors.

Speaking at an awards ceremony held in Nagpur, Gadkari shared that veteran actor Jeetendra and his daughter Ekta Kapoor recently held discussions with him regarding the proposed studio. “I showed them a location for setting up the studio. They liked the site and said the project could work well for their plans,” he said.

Gadkari added that Ekta Kapoor specifically appreciated Nagpur’s strategic advantage, especially its robust air and road connectivity with Mumbai, which would make logistics and operations seamless for the entertainment industry.

The Union Minister also highlighted his vision to transform Ambhora backwaters in Bhandara district into a premier tourist destination. As part of this initiative, he announced the introduction of a Russian-made hovercraft that will be used for adventure and water sports activities in the region.

“We aim to develop the Ambhora backwaters into a global tourism hotspot. The area already attracts visitors due to the newly constructed bridge, which features a unique glass-floored restaurant. Water-based recreational activities will further elevate its appeal,” Gadkari said.

Emphasizing the untapped potential of Nagpur and the larger Vidarbha region, the minister noted that both natural beauty and human capital are in abundance, making the area ideal for tourism-driven development. “Tourism investments are crucial because nearly 49% of the capital goes into human resources, ensuring substantial employment generation for locals,” he said.

Gadkari further stated that Nagpur has the potential to emerge as a global hub for wildlife tourism. With frequent tiger sightings in nearby reserves like Pench, Tadoba, and Umred-Karhandla, he suggested that structured tourism packages and improved facilities could attract international visitors.

The dual focus on entertainment infrastructure and tourism development signals a new chapter for Nagpur, as the city positions itself as both a creative and ecological hub in Central India.