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Sonali Agrawal

Why Udaipur Is The Best Choice For T.V. Serials, Bollywood And Hollywood

Udaipur, with its harmonious blend of ancie­nt and modern architectural styles, e­merges as a picturesque­ city that captures the imagination of filmmakers.

For people, Udaipur is a city that attracts them with its stunning palaces, forts, lake­s, and gardens. Its re­markable architecture has e­ven served as inspiration for nume­rous Bollywood and Hollywood movies.
Udaipur’s allure e­xtends beyond its architectural grande­ur; it emanates from the tranquility that pe­rmeates its surroundings.
From serene lakes to bustling bazaars and lively arts scene – and charming streets lined with narrow lanes, Udaipur will take your breath away with its beauty.
Udaipur offers couples the opportunity to experience royal courtesy and hospitality. And it is something that they will remember for a long time.

Famous T.V. Serials That Have Been Shot In Udaipur

Hindi T.V. serial makers often select Udaipur, Rajasthan, as one of their locations of choice when shooting their Hindi T.V. serial due to its picturesque surroundings, massive palaces, and architectural temples, which draw them. Hindi T.V. serial makers find these breathtaking locales captivating enough to shoot films here. At the same time, their beauty attracts visitors who travel directly there or watch these serials to get a glimpse of these breathtaking places.

  • Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai
  • Maharana Pratap,
  • Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
  • Saraswatichandra
  • Doli Armaano Ki

The serials mentioned above were award-winning serials, depicting the beautiful royal side of Udaipur with its palaces, forts, and lakes. Following their release, it quickly became immensely popular, prompting people from across India to visit Udaipur, where a famous T.V. serial shooting in Udaipur had occurred.

Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai

Famous Web Series That Have Been Shot In Udaipur

Udaipur is a favorite filming location in Rajasthan due to its natural beauty and traditional culture. Udaipur is home to forts, palaces, temples, ghats, lakes, and mesmerizing sights like forts, temples, and lakes that create mesmerizing pictures; it is no surprise why many Bollywood and Hollywood films have been shot here!

Netflix recently released “Skate Girl“, featuring Rachel Saanchita Gupta as Prerna, who skateboards around Khempur Village, which is 50km south of Udaipur. Director Manjari Makijany, who directed the film, had no knowledge or experience with skateboarding. Still, with dedication and hard work, he made this movie where a teenage girl finds purpose through skateboarding. Intere­stingly, the film was shot in Udaipur. The post-production and editing for the web series shoot in Mumbai were conducted seamlessly.

Skate girl shoot in Udaipur

After filming, Makijany and the team raised funds and established a skate park behind Khempur so children could continue practicing there after its completion.

Famous Bollywood Movies That Have Been Shoot In Udaipur

Rajasthan has long been the star attraction for film producers looking to shoot blockbusters, from Sholay to Baahubali, with iconic cinematic images depicting India and her culture captured within its forts, sanctuaries, and desert.
Beginning our Bollywood adventure is Udaipur; famous Bollywood movies shot in Udaipur include:

  • Maharana Pratap features Kalki Koechlin & Kunaal Roy Kapur’s wedding in the city of lakes. Their lavish ceremony at Oberoi Udaivilas with Lake Pichola Ghats was also used. Other locations used were Kumbhalgarh, Fateh Garh & Jag Mandir for filming purposes.
  • Ramleela is another classic Sanjay Leela Bhansali film starring Ranveer Singh & Deepika Padukone from their romantic boat ride around Lake Pichola while exploring its stunning palaces and landmarks, such as Gangaur Ghat, the Aravali Hills and Monsoon Palace. The film featured several shots from this vibrant City of Lakes, including iconic locations like Gangaur Ghat, Aravali Hills, and Monsoon Palace – just some of its numerous locations seen within its pages!
Ramleela

Along with Bollywood, many famous Hollywood movies are also shot in Udaipur

  • Octopussy, a James Bond movie with Roger Moore, was filmed in beautiful locations in India, like ghats, Lake Palace, and Jagdish Temple. The film sometimes showed stereotypes about India, like snake charmers and sword swallowers. But it also captured the stunning sunsets. The Lake Palace Hotel was a big part of the film, serving as the home of a villain and hosting crucial scenes. Lake Pichola, with Gul Mahal, added to the film’s charm. “Octopussy” combined India’s beauty and Hollywood excitement in a captivating way.
  • John Madden’s comedy-drama film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was a major success. Starring Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, and Judie Dench, among many others, its plot follows British retirees moving to India and staying at a hotel in Udaipur, leaving audiences touched and making its debut an enormous box office success.
octopussy movie shoot in Udaipur

Top 10 Movies That Were Shot In Udaipur

Here are the following top 10 movies that were shot in Udaipur:

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ celebrated Rajasthan’s royal culture with Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor, featuring iconic locations.

Guide (1965) – This classic Bollywood film, directed by Vijay Anand and based on R.K. The charm and beauty of the city are featured heavily in Narayan’s book.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) – A contemporary Bollywood romantic drama, this film featured Udaipur’s City Palace and other scenic spots.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s visually stunning film was shot in various locations across Udaipur, including the City Palace.

Mera Saaya (1966) – This Raj Khosla-directed mystery thriller starring Sunil Dutt and Sadhana used Udaipur as a backdrop for several scenes.

Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007) – Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan, was partly shot in the Udaipur region.

Dhadak (2018) – A remake of the Marathi film “Sairat,” this Bollywood movie captured the beauty of Udaipur and its surroundings.

Dhadak  movie

Khoobsurat (2014) – Starring Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, this romantic comedy movie utilised Udaipur’s enchanting settings to enhance its storyline.

Khoobsurat

Mirzya (2016) – Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, this epic love story was shot in various locations in Rajasthan, including Udaipur.

Lamhe (1991) – Directed by Yash Chopra, this film starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi showcased Udaipur’s romantic charm.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was another film that extols Rajasthani society with its royal grace. Starring Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor as romantic leads, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo depicted their luxurious lifestyle and iconic shots at places such as Kumbalgarh fort.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo shoot in Udaipur

These movies entertaine­d audiences and showcased the captivating beauty of Udaipur. As a result, Udaipur became a sought-after destination for filmmakers and tourists alike­. Along with these movies, some other movies like Gangajal (2003), Mohenjo Daro (2016), and Kabhi Kabhie (1976) were shot in Udaipur.

Top 5 Famous Places Where Bollywood Movies Shooting Happens In Udaipur

Here are some five famous places where shooting happens in Udaipur:

City Palace

City Palace is an exquisite combination of medieval, European, and Chinese architecture that makes an impressionable sight. Due to its historic allure and rich heritage, this beautiful space has become an immensely popular filming location for Bollywood.

City Palace, Udaipur
City Palace Udaipur

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s mesmerizing chemistry in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was captured at this magnificent attraction, becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies worldwide

Lake Pichola

Udaipur offers Bollywood filmmakers plenty of extravagant locations and venues, making it the ideal place to shoot some of their most notable movies ever. India’s rich culture, heritage, and forts provide ample locations that give filmmakers plenty of creative freedom when shooting films here.

Lake Pichola, constructed in 1362 AD and named for Pichhu Banjara tribespeople who transported grain at its center, is one of the premier attractions in Udaipur. Surrounded by several palaces and islands, Mohan Mandir is an iconic landmark that once hosted Maharana Jagat Singh for watching the Gangaur festival.

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir Palace is an exceptional example of Rajput-style architecture on an island within Lake Pichola. Constructed during the 17th century by Maharana Jagat Singh I, its elaborate carvings and ornamental canopies set it apart from other heritage hotels throughout India.

Roger Moore was cast as James Bond for this 13th installment of his movie franchise, and filming took place at various locations, including Monsoon Palace, Shiv Niwas Palace, and Lake Palace in Udaipur.

Jagmandir 2

Jagdish Temple

The Jagdish Temple in Udaipur, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), can be found within the City Palace complex and is its largest temple. Accessible via Bara Pol, two huge stone elephants welcome visitors as they approach its main entrance; then, 32 marble steps lead you up to its main shrine.

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone star in this romantic movie set in Rajasthan’s picturesque locations, perfectly capturing its beauty and vibrant culture.

jagdish temple Udaipur..

Roger Moore stars in the thirteenth installment of James Bond and shot it throughout Udaipur, including Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, and Fateh Sagar Pal. The film was a famous Hollywood movie shoot in Udaipur.

Sajjangarh Palace Monsoon Palace

Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace) is an extraordinary architectural marvel atop a hill offering panoramic views of its surroundings. A wildlife sanctuary is also inside this palace, home to several wild animals like deer, nilgais, and peacocks.

Maharana Sajjan Singh, the 72nd ruler of the Mewar Dynasty, began constructing this grandiose palace during his ten-year rule of Udaipur.

sajjangarh monsoon palace

The Icon Scene Of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

So, you want to know why the iconic scene of YHJD is famous for Udaipur?

The famous Bollywood movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” showcase­d an iconic scene at the City Palace­ in Udaipur, featuring the lead characters Bunny (played by Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (played by Dee­pika Padukone). This particular scene gained immense popularity for various reasons.

yeh jawaani hai deewani

The bre­athtaking City Palace in Udaipur was the stunning backdrop for this scene. Known for its grand architecture­, opulent courtyards, and picturesque vie­ws of Lake Pichola, this magnificent royal palace comple­x exuded an exquisite­ beauty and regal ambiance that captivate­d both the eye and the soul.

Conclusion

The popularity of Udaipur as a filming location is soaring. Its natural be­auty, architectural marvels, cultural richness, and film-frie­ndly administration have transformed the city into a magne­t for filmmakers. With a captivating blend of history and modernity, Udaipur be­comes an enchanting canvas where cinematic tales come alive­. As more movies showcase the majestic backdrop of this “City of Lakes,” it firmly establishe­s itself as a rising star in the world of film production. So, it’s no wonder why the popularity of Udaipur is growing for filming movies.

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