Danish Ali/Srinagar

Amid the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, where dreams become a reality, Suhail Saeed Lone has  become a storyteller with a difference; his stories come from his pain, patriotism, and a sense of purpose.

Suhail was born in Bandipora, a town of north Kashmir that once was infested with militants and life was not normal. His journey from a traumatized teenager to a promising Bollywood producer and actor is not only inspiring but also a powerful testament to resilience and resolve.

The pivotal moment in Suhail's life came in 1994 when his father was abducted by militants belonging to the Hizbul Mujahideen, accused of helping the Indian Army.

The Lone family battled despair, humiliation, and threats for four agonizing days. The terrorists demanded a ransom and issued a chilling ultimatum that threatened the honour of the women in the household.

Sohail Saeed with actor Siddharth Malhotra

"It’s an experience that never leaves you," Suhail recalls. "It was not just about my father. It was about the fear, the helplessness, and the realization that terror doesn’t just take lives—it crushes the spirit."

Though his father eventually returned—bruised, battered, and forever changed—the psychological scars lingered, especially for young Suhail.

However, nstead of surrendering to bitterness or fear, Suhail transformed his trauma into fuel for a higher purpose.

Now based in Mumbai, Suhail is associated with Taha Film International, where he channels his creative energy into projects that celebrate unsung heroes, especially the armed forces.

Sohail Saeed with fellow Kashmiri actor Anupam Kher

His work is deeply influenced by the conviction that the sacrifices of Indian soldiers deserve to be told with authenticity and reverence.

One of his key projects, The Up Files, is a cinematic effort to present a balanced, human portrayal of military life—free from jingoism yet steeped in respect.

"The idea is not to glorify war, but to honour the sacrifice," he explains. "Our soldiers are human beings with families, dreams, and fears. Their stories deserve space on the screen," he says.

His contributions to cinema have not gone unnoticed. This year, Suhail became the first Kashmiri to be honoured with the prestigious Golden Gubil Award, conferred by the Cine and TV AD Production Executive Guild in Mumbai.

The award recognizes his unique voice and bold efforts in using cinema as a medium of healing and national integration.

Sohail Saeed in a scene from his movie

Beyond production, Suhail has also ventured into acting. His recent role in the English film A Million Dollar Tourist—shot in Jammu and Kashmir. It pairs him with international talent, showcasing not just his acting but his desire to put Kashmir on the global cinematic map.

Suhail’s current passion project is on the Rashtriya Rifles, a paramilitary force specializing in counter-insurgency operations deployed in Kashmir. “Their role in restoring peace and protecting civilians has been monumental,” he says. “They often go unnoticed in mainstream narratives. I want to change that.”

His efforts are not just about storytelling; they are about bridging gaps between perception and reality, and between trauma and healing.

Though Suhail remains a Kashmiri, his vision is pan-Indian. He tells stories, especially the ones buried under decades of conflict and indifference.

Through his films, he hopes to foster understanding, honour, sacrifice, and challenge even though the dominant narratives often simplify Kashmir’s complex reality. In doing so, he also hopes to inspire young Kashmiris to find strength in creativity, not conflict.

Sohail Saeed with standup Comedian Kapil Sharma in The Great Kapil Sharma Show

"In a place where guns once decided futures," Suhail reflects, "I want stories to be the new weapons—of truth, empathy, and change."

Suhail Saeed Lone’s journey is far from over. With several projects in the pipeline and an unwavering commitment to cinematic truth-telling, he stands as a symbol of what is possible when personal pain is transformed into public purpose.

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From the small town of Bandipora to the studios of Mumbai, Suhail has carried with him not just memories of violence, but a vision for peace—crafted one frame at a time.