Everyone loves Bollywood movies, be it action films or sweet romantic comedies. However, what many don’t know is that some of the popular Bollywood films has scenes from our very own beautiful and regal land of Rajasthan. Surprised? Well, believe it or not, Rajasthan has been a backdrop for lots of movies. Here are some of the movies that has a shooting of this so-called desert state. These are the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
The Lake Palace, Udaipur
If you are a fan of James Bond, you must remember the floating palace in the movie “Octopussy.” The Palace of the “Octopussy,” is a white marble lake palace having a construction of more than 260 years ago. The lake palace is located on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola. This white scintillating palace shines bright till today and is one iconic monument of Rajasthan that is best place to visit in India. You also see the action-filled chase throughout the city that starts from Udaipur’s market and ends at the beautiful Jagdish temple. Plus, various helicopter shots show the stunning lakes.
Sheesh mahal, Jaipur
A forever classic, Mughal-E-Azam is popular for one of its songs for its beautiful picturization. The song has been shot at Sheesh Mahal in Amber Fort. Jaipur’s Amber Fort houses a grand Palace of Mirrors which is popular for portraying a single light all over the glasses of the palace. You must have seen Madhubala in each of the mirrors while dancing to the song- Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya. The movie was black and white but later it was turned into a colored one! Some other scenes of the movie also has a shooting of the forts of Jaipur.
Nahargarh fort, Jaipur
Nahargarh is already one of the best picnic spots in jaipur and also one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. Moreover, this fort is getting more love after being chosen for films. The song ‘Khalbali’ from the very famous movie Padmavat has the shooting of Nahargarh fort in Jaipur. This fort has very amusing architecture, history and larger-than-life locations that are apt for filming. However, the most famous movie scene having a shoot of Nahargarh Fort was the iconic beer-drinking scene from the Bollywood movie Rang De Basanti, where Aamir and Sharman Joshi jump in the public water tank.
Amer fort, Jaipur
One legendary film that has been loved by many for its location and Rajasthani culture is Jodha Akbar. This movie was about the gorgeous princess of Amer and a large part of it has a shooting of Rajasthan. Many scenes has a shooting of Amber Fort in Jaipur. Some scenes has shooting of City Palace and Rambagh Palace. The film beautifully showcased the places to visit in Rajasthan and its regal era in the premises of Amer Fort and Palace.
Hotel Oberoi, Udaipur
Everyone’s favourite movie Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani has always been in talks for its stunning locations and grand hotel wedding. The splendid Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel of Udaipur was where the shooting of scenes of the wedding was filmed. The grand palace made a perfect choice and has become even more popular after the movie. The film also showed many other locations of Lake City including the City Palace, Gangaur Ghat, Bagore ki Haweli, and Pichhola lake.
Thar desert, Jaisalmer
Remember the song Tadap Tadap Ke from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam that soon became the anthem of all heartbroken lovers! The song has a shooting of not Dubai or any foreign location but the exquisite Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. The song beautifully showcased the magnificence of heated sand. The first half of the movie has a shooting of Bada Bagh cenotaph, which is also in Jaisalmer. From the set of the movie to the traditional attire and jewellery, the film has acquired all the best Rajasthani aspects in it.
Mehrangarh fort, Jodhpur
Dor movie was filmed in myriad districts of Rajasthan, but most crucial parts were shot inside the renowned Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Garh in Jodhpur, Pokhran Palace in Pokhran, and Sethrawar Village, Jaisalmer. Mehrangarh has witnessed many such shootings of films. Shuddh desi romance is also one of them which includes the shooting of Jodhpur as well as stills of several famous spots including the Jal Mahal, Amer Fort and the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.
Old City, Udaipur
Ram-Leela was a tragic love story starring Ranvir Singh and Deepika Padukone and turned out to be a superhit. The film had some really memorable sequences that were shot at Udaipur Palace and Gangaur Ghat. Another recent popular movie shot here is ‘Dhadak’ starring Jhanvi Kapoor. This movie had scenes shot at banks of pichola popular as Ambrai ghat. There are a few scenes from Raja Rani Ki Chatriyan as well.
Mandawa
Set in Rajasthan, Madawa showed the colors of the state beautifully. There are many films shot here including Bajraangi Bhaijaan, Paheli, Love Aaj Kal, Jab We Met, and Mirzya movie. With its rustic essence, quaint surroundings and mansions, this tiny place has been attracting filmmakers for many years now. In Bajrangi Bhaijaan all the scenes of Pakistan shown in the film have been shot in Mandawa.
Devigarh Palace, Udaipur
Devigarh is a beautiful fort turned into a heritage hotel now. It is located near to Udaipur on a hill amidst a village. This fort was used in the shooting of the movie ‘Eklavya’. One interesting fact about this movie is that the costumes of this movie were designed by the royal family of Jaipur. Since the movie has a shooting of this giant fort, it has gained much laud and appraisals and become a new highlight among other heritage hotels of Udaipur. The movie depicts the culture of Rajasthan at its best.
Chomu palace, Jaipur
Chomu palace of Jaipur got immense attention from Bol Bacchan’s movie. This movie has amazing scenes shot in the Chomu Palace, a heritage hotel in Jaipur. This hotel is nearly 300 years old and is the testimony of the royal life once led by the rulers of the bygone time. The movie ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’ also has a shooting of the Chomu Palace.
Seven wonders, Kota
Everyone remembers the movie Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya and its famous song ‘Ae mere Humsafar. The movie caught attention with its beautiful location showcasing seven wonders of the world at a park in the city and a beautiful Kishore Sagar Lake. Both these places belong to Kota city of Rajasthan.
Bikaner
Bikaner played an important part in many films. Two of them are Khubsoorat, the remake of ‘Rekha’s movie starring Sonam Kapoor. The movie is about a royal family from Rajasthan. While another big hit movie shot here was Highway starring Alia Bhatt. Both movies have beautiful locations from Bikaner that are hard to miss.
Chittorgarh fort
The very famous movie of the decade starring Deepika and Ranveer, Padmaawat has a shooting Chittorgarh fort of Rajasthan. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the director of this movie, has always been selective about shooting in beautiful locations. Even though the shooting took place in Mumbai, the set was a clear replica of Chittor Fort. The movie is based on the true story of Chittor’s Rani Padmawati.
In conclusion, these are some movies that has a shoot of Rajasthan. Well, there are many more but it is hard to conjure them in a single list. So, be ready to include these places to visit in Rajasthan in your itinerary on your next trip to this amazing state.
