Florida is well known for its beaches & theme parks, but the lesser known fact is that it has something to offer for any kind of traveler.
Bollywood, in recent times, has truly gone global, which means lots of travelling opportunities for our Bollywood stars. Although, its lot of work when they’re shooting or performing overseas, our stars do manage to take some time out to explore the popular overseas attractions.
For tourists, Florida has always meant places like Orlando, Miami. Not many were actually aware of ‘Tampa’, until the IIFA happened. However, for the event, almost 30,000 tourists from all over the U.S., landed in this small sunshine city to see their favorite stars in action.
Tampa Bay Attractions
Bollywood IIFA 2014 which was held in Tampa Bay, Florida, was a huge success.
The Tampa Bay region has rich culture, adventure, a great dining and nightlife scene, and several outdoor activities such as balloon rides, strawberry farms, lush nature, walkable neighbourhoods, and more. Special events and festivals are part of the area’s cultural fabric.
Some of our Bollywood celebrities did take the time off (after the awards) to visit the popular places in Florida.
Actress Parineeti Chopra headed to Miami with a few friends after attending the IIFA awards 2014.
Sonakshi Sinha, who was in Florida too for IIFA 2014 recently. After the awards, the actress made it a point to holiday in Disney World, followed by New York.
Gauhar Khan made a visit to Disney World while on a visit to the US .
Bollywood Movies Shot in Miami, FLORIDA
The movie ‘Dostana’ (John, Abhishek & Priyanka) was shot (almost completely) in Miami. Bayside, Bayfront Park, South Beach, South Beach Ocean Drive, are some of the places that you can easily spot in the movie.
John Abraham’s famous scene in yellow shorts, and the song “Shut up and bounce” was shot at South Beach, Miami.
“Jaane kyu” song was shot at Bayside, and “Maa ka ladla” song was shot at Bayfront Park in Miami.
Miami was also considered (as a shooting location) for Shahrukh Khan’s RA.One. When the RA.One team did a recce of the place, people in Florida used to joke that we were ‘Hollywood East’, but soon we’ll be ‘Bollywood West’. People were definitely excited that another big budget Bollywood movie was being considered for this location.
Unfortunately, due to high production costs, the movie was pulled out of Miami. It seems the unions guys in Miami wanted union wages paid to the Indian film crews, who were accustomed to making much less. And with a limited budget, the producers had no choice but to move out of the US.
Bollywood calls for better filming incentives in Florida
Though Florida may offer some of the most scenic places for film shooting, Bollywood filmmakers expressed their helplessness in shooting here. Reason being, the incentives offered by the local government here are not on par with that offered by other countries. Read more here…
Mummy Ride at Universal Studios: The Ride of Your Life
Bollywood today, may not be in a position to make movies like ‘The Mummy’ (or its sequels), but if its your favorite movie and if you’re in Florida, don’t miss out on this ride of your life at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
The three-minute roller coaster ride takes you on a virtual tour of mummies and the Pharaoh. You get to experience the spooky world mummies around you, as the roller coaster touches speed of 75 km per hour. And that’s not all; the eerie feeling gets heightened to another level as red-eye mummies and pharaohs pop out from nowhere, making you scream for your life.
And Mummy ride is not the only fun trip at Universal Studio. There are many more available to movie-lovers, looking for some extra adrenaline rush.
Hulk Hogan, The Musician
Did you know that there’s a beach named after Hulk Hogan, the famous american wrestler of yesteryear? In fact, its one of the most happening beaches in Florida, and the place to be if you’ve always dreamt of being part of ‘MTV Grind’ (neon shade swim wears, trunks and bikinis everywhere).
Also, very few are aware that Hulk Hogan was also a skilled musician who once played the electric bass guitar. His band ‘Ruckus’ used to be a sensation in Tampa Bay. His music still lingers on this beach, located on the Courtney Campbell Parkway.
The Hulk Hogan beach is a hot spot for wild beach parties, water sport, rock music and some indulging food. Its the best spot to take a peek into America’s wild nightlife parties, especially on weekends.
More About Florida
Known as “The Sunshine State”, Florida is popular for its several beaches, you can relax on one of the beaches in Miami or Naples. Some of the world’s best known theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are located here, ideal place for kids & families.
Its also a great place to play golf (at one of the several luxurious golf courses) or just explore the Cuban town of Havana.
Florida is also a great place for those who love to cycle. You can explore trails like the Jacksonville to Baldwin or Gainsville to Hawthorne. You can also explore a mountain trail at Alafia River State Park, Bird Basin Park or Camp Branch at White Springs.
FYI: The Disney park in Orlando, Florida is Disney World. Disney Land is in California.
Thanks DeAnna for letting us know…we have made the relevant changes.