Leh, Sep 13 (IANS): Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who is here for a film fest, recollects having a perfectly romantic honeymoon here, while acclaimed writer-filmmaker Gulzar wishes he too had done so had he discovered the picturesque location on time.

On his first visit to Leh for the ongoing Ladakh International Film Festival (LIFF), the beauty of the land in Jammu and Kashmir region impresses Gulzar, known for making award winning movies “Mausam” and “Maachis”.

"I didn't know Ladakh would be like this (so beautiful). Otherwise, I would have certainly done what Rakeysh did - I would have come for my honeymoon here. I went somewhere else, and now there's no second chance," Gulzar said in his inimitable style, making the audience burst into laughter.

"It must be something to have a honeymoon in Ladakh, really the location, the people," added the well-known lyricist, who was married to actress Raakhee and they have a daughter - Meghna.

Mehra could vouch for it.

"Ladakh is very close to me. I discovered Ladakh by chance while trekking from Manali around 22 years back. Then I got married and came for my honeymoon here. I try and make it here every year now," said the director of "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

Gulzar, a multiple National award winner, is currently here as a retrospective of his films, curated by his protégé Vishal Bhardwaj, is being hosted at LIFF. The retrospective started here with "Mere Apne".

While Mehra is here for the green carpet premiere of his latest hit "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".