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Shooting Spots in Manali

Manali has always been one of the most preferred places when it comes to the shooting of movies and it always topped the list of shooting spots for Bollywood movie makers. The outstanding natural beauty of Manali has always drawn the attention of Bollywood Directors. Be it the evergreen Rajesh Khanna in the movie Aapki Ki Kasam or the heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani; the picturesque scenery of Manali has always lived up to the expectations of the Bollywood Directors.

Right from the movies of decades back like Heena, released in 1991 starring Rishi Kapoor, Ashwini Bhave and Zeba Bakhtiyar to the recent block-busters like Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani (released in 2013), cinematography of Bollywood movies have reached to a different height with picture perfect backdrop of Manali. Movies shot in Manali have got upscale in visual aesthetics.

Movie Heena
"Actor Rishi Kapoor in Manali for shooting for the movie Heena in 1991"


The pleasant atmosphere throughout the year and wonderful places around has made Manali a favorite choice for the Bollywood movie makers. Movie makers of Bollywood have started replacing overseas favorites like Switzerland and Australia with Manali.

Tourists visiting Manali never miss out any of these shooting spots from their Manali itinerary as they want to experience the fun of visiting these picture perfect shooting spots that they have watched in different Bollywood movies. Here is the information about various movies and their sequences shot in Manali and its surrounding areas.

Favorite Shooting Spots in Manali

Shooting of Hindi Movies used to be done during the era of black and white movies also and recently the trend has increased. The gleaming waterfalls, placid lakes, ancient monuments and religious shrines of Manali have made it one of the favorite places for shooting. Spots like Hadimba Devi Temple, Rohtang Pass, The Mall and Solang Valley are the places that have been used as shooting point for most of the Bollywood movies. Lets go for a short Bollywood trip and cherish our filmy memories once again…

Roja
"Arvind and Madhu in Manali for the movie Roja"


One of the most visited religious shrines in Manali is the Hadimba Temple. This ancient temple of Manali has the main deity as Hadimba Devi. Located very near to the bus stand, the temple is also visited by hundreds of locals every day.

Who could forget the terror-creating scene of one of the hit movies Roja starring Madhu and Arvind when Arvind, who played the role of Madhu’s husband was kidnapped. Many scenes of this movie revolve around this age old temple Hadimba Devi Temple.

The recent one is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in the movie “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani”; have been seen expressing their views about marriage at the backdrop of Hadimba Temple. Rahala Falls near Hadimba Temple is another picturesque spot for shooting.

Song of Jab We Met
"Different moods of Yeh Isqh Haye, Baithe Bithae Jannat Dikhaye"


None of the viewers could ever forget the scene where Shahid Kapoor is driving the jeep through  Rohtang Pass and beautiful Kareena Kapoor is singing the melodious song- Oh Rama, Yeh Ishq Haye, Baithe Bithaye of the hit movie Jab We Met (released 2007). The snow covered road dazzles our eyes and the impression and melody of this song still is permanent in our mind.

Song Sequence of Jab We Met
"The colorful song from Jab We Met shot in Manali"


Beautiful Solang Valley in Manali, swirling rivers and streams and lush green meadows keep coming in various scenes of the movie Krish (released 2006) starring Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra. Apart from showing temple, valley and passes of picturesque Manali in Bollywood movies, adventure sports have also been highlighted in various movies.

(Who could forget the trekking and skiing scenes of the recent block buster Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani and the water rafting scenes of the movie Krish?)

Markets of Manali have also been seen in this movie thus viewers get to feel about the place and become keen to visit this awe-inspiring destination of north India. Beas Kund is an other very hot favorite shooting spot for Bollywood movies.

Shooting of Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya
"The love birds Ritesh Deshmuk and Genelia D'souza shooting in Manali"


Chandiyari located at the banks of Beas River is the place where the song Aankhon Se Tune Ye Kya Keh Diya of hit movie Ghulam starring Rani Mukhejee and Aamir Khan was shot. Classic movies of 60s and 70s, many of them starring the great actor-star Shammi Kapoor have been shot in Manali.

Recently released Ritesh Deshmuk and Genelia D’souza movie Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya (2012) has many scenes shot in Manali especially the song Main Wari Javan, Saan tho ki Hoya ve Kasoor of this movie is shot in Kothi, a place near Manali.

Hindi movie Laal Dupatta Malmal Ka (released 1989) have also been shot in Manali.  Anil Sharma directed movies –Hero - Love Story of a Spy (released 2003) and Ab Tumhare Hawale Hai Waatan Saathiyo (released 2004) have many scenes shot in Manali. 

The movie Raaz - The Mystery Continues (release 2009) directed by Mohit Suri has also many scenes shot in Manali. The song ILU ILU of Saudagar (release 1991) and the song Aap ki Kasam from the movie Aap Ki Kasam (release 1974) have been shot in Manali showcasing the beauty and elegance of this wonderful hill station.

The recent 100-crore club movie Highway (released 2014) directed by Imtiaaz Ali has many scenes shot in Manali.

Highway Shooting in Manali
"Actress Alia Bhat in Manali"


The same holds true for the recently released movie Purani Jeans (release 2014).

The charm and elegance of Manali remains the same for the movie makers and that is why “Mary Com”, the biopic movie based on the life of famous female boxer of India Mary Com starring Priyanka Chopra has also been shot in Manali. The movie is yet to release.

Priyanka Chopra in Manali
"Priyanka Chopra in Manali for the shooting of the movie Marry Com"


When it comes to relation between Manali and Bollywood movies its really a pair to cherish. The Directors of Bollywood have realized the boost and magic that Manali can add to their movies. This is the reason that starting from 1970s till now Manali has been and would remain the hot favorite for the Bollywood Directors.

We hope that you enjoyed this short Bollywood trip to Manali with us! Read More Here.

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