Discovering the Magical Charm of Rajasthan through Bollywood's Lens
Rajasthan, also known as the "Land of Kings," is a state in northern India famous for its rich cultural heritage, colorful traditions, and stunning landscapes. This majestic state has been a popular destination for Bollywood filmmakers for decades. With its impressive forts, palaces, and scenic beauty, Rajasthan has provided a perfect backdrop for many Bollywood movies. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the most iconic Bollywood movies that were shot in Rajasthan.
Jodhaa Akbar - Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Agra
Jodhaa Akbar, a historical romance epic starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, was largely shot in Rajasthan. The movie was filmed in various locations across Jodhpur, including the Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Some scenes were also shot in the Pink City of Jaipur, particularly at the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. The movie's climax was filmed at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, which is located in the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh.
Padmavat - Chittorgarh, Jaipur, and Jodhpur
Padmavat, a controversial period drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was largely shot in Rajasthan. The movie was filmed in various locations across the state, including the historic Chittorgarh Fort, which served as the backdrop for many pivotal scenes in the film. The movie's grandeur was further enhanced by its stunning cinematography, which captured the beauty of Jaipur's Amer Fort and Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort.
Paheli - Jaisalmer and Bikaner
Paheli, a charming folk tale starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, was largely shot in the cities of Jaisalmer and Bikaner. The movie's major scenes were filmed in various locations across these cities, including the historic Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, and the Junagarh Fort. The movie's cinematography captured the essence of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, making it a treat for viewers.
Highway - Jodhpur and Bikaner
Highway, a critically acclaimed road drama starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, was largely shot in Rajasthan. The movie was filmed in various locations across Jodhpur, including the famous Mehrangarh Fort and the picturesque Guda Bishnoi Lake. Some scenes were also shot in Bikaner, including the historic Junagarh Fort and the Karni Mata Temple.
P.K. - Jaipur and Mandawa
P.K., a satirical comedy-drama starring Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma, was partly shot in Rajasthan. The movie was filmed in the Pink City of Jaipur, particularly at the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. Some scenes were also shot in the town of Mandawa, where the iconic "Chaar Kadam" song was shot against the backdrop of the Mandawa Fort.
Bajirao Mastani - Jaipur and Jodhpur
Bajirao Mastani is a historical romantic drama that tells the story of the Maratha warrior Bajirao Ballal Bhat and his love affair with Mastani, a Muslim princess. The film was partly shot in Rajasthan, with some scenes filmed at the City Palace in Jaipur, which is a perfect example of Rajasthani architecture with its intricate designs and details. The iconic "Deewani Mastani" song was also shot at the City Palace, with Deepika Padukone dressed in a stunning red and gold lehenga and dancing in front of a breathtaking mirror hall. The film's climax was filmed at the historic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, which provided a majestic and grand backdrop for the intense battle sequences.
Dhanak - Jaisalmer
Dhanak is a heartwarming tale of sibling love that follows the journey of a young girl named Pari who is visually impaired and her younger brother Chotu, who dreams of meeting Shah Rukh Khan. The entire film was shot in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, which provided a stunning backdrop for the film's themes of love, hope, and adventure. The movie was filmed in various locations across Jaisalmer, including the famous Sam Sand Dunes, where Pari and Chotu ride camels and watch the sunset. The Jaisalmer Fort also served as a backdrop for several scenes, adding to the film's magical and whimsical atmosphere.
Bol Bachchan - Jaipur
Bol Bachchan is a comedy-drama that follows the story of Abbas Ali, who poses as a religious scholar in order to win the hearts of a family in a small town. The film was partly shot in Jaipur, Rajasthan, with various locations across the Pink City serving as a backdrop. The Amer Fort, with its grandeur and rich history, was the setting for the film's opening sequence, while the famous Hawa Mahal served as the backdrop for a pivotal scene in the movie.
Khoobsurat - Udaipur
Khoobsurat is a romantic comedy that follows the story of a young physiotherapist who falls in love with the prince of a royal family. The film was partly shot in Udaipur, Rajasthan, which provided a stunning and regal backdrop for the film's themes of love, romance, and royalty. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola, served as the setting for the film's romantic and dreamy scenes, while the City Palace provided the perfect setting for the royal family's grandeur and extravagance.
Dor - Jaisalmer
Dor is a critically acclaimed drama that tells the story of two women from different backgrounds who form an unlikely bond and embark on a journey of self-discovery. The film was largely shot in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, which provided a stunning and picturesque backdrop for the film's themes of friendship, love, and courage. The iconic Sam Sand Dunes, with their vast expanse of sand and breathtaking sunsets, served as the setting for several scenes in the movie, while the Jaisalmer Fort provided a regal and majestic backdrop for the film's climax.
Rajasthan continues to be a popular destination for Bollywood filmmakers, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and beautiful architecture. These movies are a testament to the beauty and grandeur of Rajasthan, and are a must-watch for anyone interested in the art, culture, and history of this majestic state.