India – A Hot Spot for International Filmmakers
Believe it or not! International Filmmakers have taken a liking for Indian destinations in a big way. And interestingly, this is not a new found love. In fact this connect was established many decades ago and is being celebrated even today. Here’s a quick movie refresher.
Back in the 80s, James Bond shot spy thriller Octopussy in Udaipur. It is said that the cast was so impressed by the beauty of this place that they ended up spending many days sightseeing there.
Then came Jackie Chan with his film ‘The Myth’ with Mallika Sherawat in tow. The Myth was shot in Hampi, Karnataka. More recently, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt shot in Pune for The Mighty Heart. Even Julia Roberts shot for Eat Pray Love in Mirzapur Village and Pataudi Palace near Delhi. Amazingly, film shoots instantly convert the destinations into big tourist attractions. Here we turn our spotlight on some of these locales. Here goes:
1] Goa
It is a favorite haunt for both Indian travelers and international tourists for many years now. An inviting sea port with water sport activities at the beaches, thatched shacks that serve the best of the seafood delicacies, churches, temples etc. add to the brilliance of this space. Apart from many other films, The Bourne Supremacy was also shot in different parts of Goa.
2] Hampi
You may not have heard of Hampi before -an archaeologically renowned site in Karnataka- until Mallika Sherawat brought this place into limelight together with Jackie Chan. Yes, a good part of the film The Myth was shot here. The ruins of Hampi are part of UNESCO World Heritage site and the locale is worth a visit. The place is known for its little oasis with lush palm, banana and mango trees by the riverside. Hampi is a fabulous place if you are looking forward to spend some ‘me-time’ at the same time discovering the rich and vibrant history of the place. The place also organizes ‘Hami Utsav’ year after year during the first week of November. Visiting this place during this time is a visual delight for monuments and ruins are illuminated with tiny lights in the night, followed by an enriching extravaganza of dance and music.
3] Pataudi and Mirzapur Village
Undoubtedly, the name Pataudi rings a bell for it reminds us of the famed, former Indian cricketer Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. Yes, of course the place is popular in India, thanks to the cricketer. However, the place was recently in news, not because of cricket, but because Julia Roberts was here shooting for her latest flick ‘Eat Pray Love’. More than anything else, the seasoned actress visited many ashrams here and eventually changed her religion as well. She converted to Hinduism. The film was shot in the princely state of Pataudi, located 26 kilometers from Gurgoan. The film was also shot at Mirzapur village near Delhi, known for its handicrafts market and carpet weavers.
4] Udaipur
It is known as the breathtaking state of India, for its famous beautiful lakes and palaces leave the visitors breathless. Anyone and everyone who visits this place make a promise to come back soon. An ideal destination for up market westerners, it also formed a backdrop for umpteen movies, including James Bond flick Octopussy in the 80s. Often referred to as ‘Venice of the East’, the ‘Most Romantic City of India’ and with a good reason. Tourists from across the world swarm the Fateh Sagar Lake, the Lake Pichhola and Swarrop Sagar Lake here. Tourists also enjoy sightseeing at the sites with forts, temples, gardens, palaces and mountains.
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