From London to San Francisco, Bollywood shoots get a red-carpet welcome

By Nimisha Tiwari

There’s no denying the impressive reach and razor-sharp influence that Bollywood commands today — Not just within India but beyond the borders as well. Thanks to our desi filmmakers who take fancy to foreign locations, evolve their film scripts and happily shoot their film sequences for a large audience-base. The result, amazing cinematography, beautiful cityscapes and global fan-following. Truly, Bollywood has its tentacles spread across countries and how.

But then who’s complaining as the international tourism boards are able to reach out to their target Indian audiences (India is a prime tourism market for most countries, thanks to its encouraging economy). And best of all, Indians feel welcomed beyond their country of residence.

'Box office hits' and flops enjoy a longer life-span and collect bigger revenue from various markets. Indian actors get recognised by firangi fans and entertainment industry creates a buzz every Friday. Isn’t this what gets the conversation started amidst strangers and friends over dinner, of course Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan rule the roost!

One of the trending ways to penetrate the Indian tourism market is by way of Bollywood film shoots.

Romancing in the park & singing in the garden - Bollywood Style

Region: London

A top choice for years with Indians to study, work and settle down, the Indian community in London never makes you feel that you are away from home. In fact, that's the cue most desi filmmakers take when they select London for Bollywood film shoots as a larger audience can be targetted with these locations. London truly is a place of attractions, year-long. Many Bollywood films in the past have been shot in England including Desi Boyz, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, Tezz, Veer, parts of Agent Vinod, Baghban, Yaadein and more recently, Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Plan Your Trip: If you are visiting London in July then we'd say, it's just the perfect time to go outdoorsy. Don't miss out on Buckingham Palace as it opens to the public every summer. You can explore the lavishly furnished rooms and see special exhibitions with a royal theme. If rock, pop or dance music is more your thing, head to one of London's music festivals such as Lovebox in Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In August, The Notting Hill Carnival showcases West Indian culture with two days of floats, parades, music and dance as more than one million people join in the celebrations. Indulge in some free sight-seeing at British Museum, Royal Parks in London, Museum of London, National Gallery, National Maritime Museum. Travelling already?

Bridging Love Stories

Region: San Francisco

Amongst the many spectacularly shot Indian films in San Francisco, Love Aaj Kal is one. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film’s hero Saif Ali Khan is featured right at the Golden Gate (in the picture above). Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan had some scenes shot in San Francisco’s Bay Area, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island and Nob Hill. Released in 2010, Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor shot for Anjana Anjani that celebrated the cityscapes of SFO.

Plan Your Trip: If you are a Jazz music enthusiast then Bill Cosby’s name will ring a bell for sure. Interestingly, Cosby is inviting everyone for a performance on his 77th birthday! Be part of history as a member of a live audience for the taping Cosby’s next concert special. Cosby personally chose the SFJAZZ Center for the live shows. He says, "It is a wonderful place for music, has great sound, there is not a bad seat in the house, and represents the cultural center of San Francisco."

Nigtlife in SFO is quite attractive as you could go wining, dining, dancing and also indulge in theatre, music and concerts. Later, don’t miss sipping the bubbly at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant and Smuggler’s Cove, they boast of the largest collections of tequila and rum in the city. We suggest you get yourself a City Pass and avail discounts to city’s prime attractions and transportation modes. If you are fond of global foods, then drop by Spice Ace in the Lower Pacific Heights neighbourhood and take your pick from over 300 spices, herbs, salts, peppers, chilies, sugars, extracts, blends and gift sets from around the world.