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India Through Bollywood Movies

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India Through Bollywood Movies

India is surrounded by immense beauty and nature, which has inspired many filmmakers to produce movies that are not confined within the walls of a studio. 

From snow-capped mountains in the north to beautiful virgin beaches in the South, filmmakers make extra effort to hunt down the most beautiful locations in the country for their movies. 

These stunning views are not only a backdrop of a song or a scene but are also an essential part of the narrative.

Here are some popular tourist places in India that have been beautifully portrayed in several blockbuster Bollywood movies:

Jammu and Kashmir

One of the most popular places among Bollywood directors, Kashmir has been featured in many hit movies. The surrounding natural beauty and picturesque valleys in Kashmir have always been synonymous with revolution and romance in Bollywood. 

From its snow-capped mountains to its serene lakes, the natural beauty of this state has definitely increased the level of filming in Bollywood.

Some popular movies that were shot over here include –

India Through Bollywood Movies
  • Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: The daunting trek undertaken by the protagonists was shot in Gulmarg, not Manali.
  • Highway: Major portion of this hit movie was shot in Aru Valley in Kashmir
  • Student of the Year: The famous song ‘Ishq Wala Love’ was shot here with beautiful snow covered mountains as the backdrop.
  • Jab Tak Hai Jahan: This movie covers the beautiful valleys of Kashmir and especially the song – Jiya Re, where beautiful house boats were also featured.
  • Rockstar: Nargis Fakhri’s character in the movie is originally from Kashmir, so a major portion of the movie was shot here. There is also a scene where she dresses up as a traditional Kashmiri bride.
  • 3 Idiots: The climax of the film, which is shot at Pangong Lake in Ladakh, will definitely inspire you to travel here to witness Ladakh’s snow-capped peaks and crystal clear lakes with your own eyes.

  • Dal Lake, Kashmir: Jab Tak Hai Jaan
?India Through Bollywood Movies

Obviously, films like Saat Khoon Maaf, Mission Kashmir, Dil Kya Kare, Lakshya, Fanaa, Haider, LOC Kargil and Dil Se cannot be forgotten when talking about Jammu and Kashmir in Bollywood movies.

Goa

The love affair between Bollywood and Goa seems like an infinite honeymoon. Goa is more than just beaches; there are many small hidden sites that are absolutely beautiful. 

?India Through Bollywood Movies


Even with so many obstacles, Goa possesses an old world charm that keeps attracting Bollywood filmmakers again and again. With Portuguese inspired culture, rocky terrains, golden beaches, beautiful churches, temples and mosques and majestic forts, Goa is definitely one of the most sought after destinations by Bollywood directors. 

It also plays host to the annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which provides an excellent opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their talent.

From North Goa to South Goa, here are some popular movies that have been shot in Goa:

  • Dil Chahta Hai: The once neglected Chapora Fort became really popular after the release of this movie. Many also know it as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ fort.
  • Finding Fanny: One of the best movies to see if you want to explore the unseen portions of Goa including small villages like Parra, Socorro, Assagao, Cortalim and Saligao.
  • Chennai Express: The beautiful train scene featuring a stunning milky white waterfall was shot in Mollem in Goa. Dudh Sagar Waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls in the country and was briefly shown in the movie.
  • Golmaal: Rohit Shetty loved Goa so much that he shot all the Golmaal movies over here.
  • Chapora fort and Aguada fort, Goa : Dil Chahta Hai
  • Highway and Jab we met : are shooted in Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh.

?India Through Bollywood Movies

Other hit movies showcasing some of the best features of Goa include Bobby, Guzaarish, Dum Maaro Dum, Rangeela, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Josh, Dhoom, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, Ek Villain, Singham and many, many more.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is probably one of the most popular locations for not only Bollywood films but also Hollywood films. With its extravagant beauty, grand forts, rich history and brimming lakes, it attracts many filmmakers to make movies over here. 

From simple love stories to movies that feature the exciting history of India, it offers a great location for all types of films. 

Moreover, many Hollywood films like Far Pavilion, Octopussy, Heat and Dust owe their success to this state. Here are some popular hit Bollywood movies that were shot in Rajasthan:

?India Through Bollywood Movies

  • Shuddh Desi Romance: From the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and the zigzag blue alleys of Jodhpur to Jaipur’s vibrant street markets and Raj Mandir Cinema, this movie features some of the best parts of Rajasthan.
  • Jodhaa Akbar: From Dargah Shariff, Roopangarh Palace, Kishangarh Fort and Phool Mahal Palace in Ajmer to the royal Amber Fort in Jaipur, discover Rajasthan as Jodhaa finds true love.
  • PK: The first half of the movie was shot in Mandawa in Rajasthan
  • Bol Bachchan: Prithviraj’s grand haveli in the movie was shot at Chomu Palace in Jaipur. Also, the popular song – Chalao Na Naino Se Baan Re was shot at Chokni Dani. Amber Fort in Jaipur was also shown extensively in the movie.

  • Udaipur Palace: Dhadak and Ram Leela.
?India Through Bollywood Movies

Other popular movies that were shot in Rajasthan include Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Khoobsurat (2014), Yaadein, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Nayak, Rang De Basanti and Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Delhi

When we talk about beautiful locations, Delhi is not far from being the site interest of filmmakers. The vibrant markets, historical monuments, old streets of Delhi and the energetic Delhi University has always been popular among Indian directors. Here are some Bollywood movies shot in Delhi:

?India Through Bollywood Movies
  • Rang De Basanti: From various colleges of Delhi University to a candle march at India Gate, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's film – Rang De Basanti perfectly imprisons the winding roads of the capital city bathed in a warm winter glow.
  • Fanaa: The first half of the movie is based in Delhi, which captures some of the best historic sites in the capital city including Purana Quila, India Gate, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.
  • Aisha (2010): Shot entirely in Delhi, Aisha captures the spirit and style of modern Delhi.
Other popular films shot in Delhi include Agent Vinod, Band Baaja Baraat, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Vicky Donor, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Queen, Dev D, Fukrey, Delhi Belly and many, many more.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has been well endowed with plentiful natural beauty, thus attracting many Bollywood directors. One of the most popular locations in Himachal Pradesh is Manali. 

Also known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Manali is surrounded by lush greenery, which makes it a favorite shooting spot in India. Here are some popular Bollywood movies shot in Himachal Pradesh:

India Through Bollywood Movies

  • Jab We Met: The melodious song ‘Yeh Ishq Hai, Jannat Dikhaye’ in the movie literally refers to the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Shot in both Shimla and Manali, Jab We Met features some of the most picturesque valleys and cottages of the state.
  • 3 Idiots: Chail Palace, which was portrayed as the palatial home of the real Ranchoddas Chanchad is located in the popular hill station of Shimla.
  • Bang Bang: Katrina Kaif’s and Hrithik Roshan’s action packed movie – Bang Bang was majorly shot on the beautiful streets of Manali.
  • Black: Indian Institute of Advanced Studies – the college where Rani Mukherjee studies is located in Shimla.
  • Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Roja and “Yeh Jawani hai Deewani

?India Through Bollywood Movies

Other popular movies shot in Himachal Pradesh include Lootera, Taal, Dev D and Krishh.

Kerala

While North India is known for its snow-capped mountains, South India is known for its spectacular waterfalls and golden beaches. 

A land that has been blessed with both abundant natural beauty and rich culture, Kerala is slowly becoming very popular among Bollywood directors for movie locations. Here are some hit movies that were shot in the picturesque state of Kerala:

?India Through Bollywood Movies
  • Chennai Express: Remember the tea gardens shown in the song ‘Titli’ in the movie, it was shot in the lovely hill station of Munnar and Idukki in Kerala. Also, the scene where Meenamma and Rahul fight and her fathers’ car falls into a lake, it was shot in Devikulam Lake in Munnar.
  • Guru: The catchy song “Barso Re”, where Aishwarya sings under a beautiful waterfall, it was shot at Athirapally Falls in Thrissur in Kerala.

Other popular films shot in Kerala include Raavan, Madras Café, Life of Pi, Nishabd and Tashan.

Punjab

The golden meadows, blue skies and the garrulous rivers of Punjab makes Bollywood films look astoundingly amazing. There are many famous actors and actresses in Bollywood who were raised in the heartlands of Punjab.

Moreover, Punjabi culture is also very prominent in Bollywood movies. Here are some popular Hindi films that feature Punjab at its best:

?India Through Bollywood Movies
  • Veer Zaara: From beginning to end, Veer Zaara covers some of the most popular and important landmarks of Punjab including Wagah Border, Attari International Railway Station and Khalsa College.
  • Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: Just before the characters go for the dance competition, they visit the stunning Golden Temple in Amritsar to pray.
  • Bodyguard: Kareena Kapoor’s house in the movie was shot at Baradari Palace Hotel in Patiala.
Other popular Bollywood films that were shot in the verdant fields of Punjab include Dil Bole Hadippa, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Sons of Sardar, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Joker, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Bride and Prejudice, Gadar and Legend of Bhagat Singh.

Other places are : 

Banaras Ghats, Uttar Pradesh: Raanjhana and Masaan
Munnar, Kerala: Chennai Express” and “Nishabd”
Howrah Bridge, Kolkata: Barfi, Vicky Donor, Kahani, Te3n and other films filmed in Kolkata are notable examples. Kolkata tourism 
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