Whether you are an Indian, an American or a German, “Bollywood”, the other name of India’s glamour industry or Indian Cinema entices everyone in every corner of the globe. Touching scripts, soothing lyrics, stupendous music, unparallel acting and mind-blowing shooting locations took Bollywood to the zenith of entertainment. Bollywood has a rich history of more than 100 years. The first Hindi feature film, Raja Harishchandra was released in 1913 and since then Bollywood has traveled all across and received worldwide accolades.
Whatever the genre may be, romance has remained the quintessential object of all Bollywood films since time immemorial. To shoot romantic songs or scenes, legendary film producers have searched for apt romantic destinations in India whose natural settings synchronize well with the story backgrounds. When I talk of shooting, the first place that strikes my mind is Kashmir- an extravagant land in India where heaven meets earth. Snow- clad mountain ranges, lush green valleys, dazzling lakes and stretch of winding roads are perfect sites to shoot blissful moments of love of Indian Cinema. Most of the romantic scenes and numbers of the golden era that were picturized in the serene valleys of Kashmir have turned out to be utterly successful.
From the 1960s till date, Kashmir has remained the prime location for Bollywood films. The first half of the film ‘Junglee’ was shot in the snow-clad regions of Srinagar and the song from the music album of “Kashmir ki Kali” was picturized on the shimmering waters of Dal Lake. Again the first half of the love story of the romantic classic movie Arzoo was shot on the region’s snow- covered hills. Like this, Kashmir in its glory was enticingly captured in several blockbuster hits over the years. It has remained a favourite destination for legendary actors like Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan to modern ones like Amir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan. Climax of super hit film like 3 Idiots and some portions of Jab Tak Hai Jaan were shot on the banks of Pangong Tso with the Himalayas at the backdrop. Unparallel cinematography, clear photography and videography have taken the beauty and romantic setting of the entire region to its peak. Filmmakers have successfully projected the ethereal beauty of Kashmir to the entire globe and have done justice in defining it as India’s exotic romantic destination. Romantic melodies like “Pukaarta chala hoon main” (1960) in the soulful voice of Md. Rafi was weaved around the zigzag slopes, sparkling meadows and dreamy hills of the Paradise on earth.
Bollywood is an integral part of India’s culture and today its touches not only the heart of Indians but also foreigners to a great extent. Its initiative of promoting India’s exclusive romantic destinations has therefore influenced the choices of global travelers. Kashmir in North India today evolved as a picture perfect destination which is visited by thousands of couples every year. Like the movies of the 1960s, today’s couples also want to weave their love sagas in this immaculate valley of romance. So now with the movies set out for your romantic vacation to Kashmir and relish the magical moments of Bollywood’s “old is gold” songs and scenes.
