• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • REVIEWS
    • TRAILERS
  • BUSINESS
  • CELEBRITIES
  • HOLLYWOOD
  • REGIONAL
  • TV
  • MUSIC
  • TOP LISTS

Bollywood Presents

Exotic locations where popular Bollywood movies were shot

You are here: Home / Film Tourism Locations / Bollywood in Russia, the Largest Country in the World

Bollywood in Russia, the Largest Country in the World

May 31, 2016 by BollywoodPresents Team

Bollywood movies shot in Russia

We all know that Bollywood films are popular among the India diaspora abroad, including that in Russia, who have grown up with Bollywood, bearing witness to the cross-cultural appeal of Indian movies.

But then, Bollywood films are particularly popular in the former Soviet Union, and several Bollywood films have been dubbed into Russian, and shown in prominent theatres across Russia.

Thanks to the age old Russia-India friendship, a tourism-focused Russia (dealing with an economic downturn) has already kept ‘India on a special shelf’. This despite nearly a million Chinese tourists flocking annually to Russia.

While Russia might be keen to get more Indian filmmakers to shoot in Russia, they are still in the process of creating a suitable infrastructure to facilitate hassle-free film shoots in the country.

Why are Indian Films So Popular in Russia

Back in the soviet days, Hollywood and films by other Western countries were banned in the Soviet Union. And because there was no means of other cheap entertainment, films from Bollywood shot into the limelight.

They provides the Soviets with a cheap source of entertainment, and were also non-controversial and non-political.

Besides, our movies at that time focused more on partition and the struggle for freedom from colonial rule, which the struggling masses of Russia could relate to.

That explains the popularity of our films, and also why our relationship with the former USSR is so strong.

Raj Kapoor, in particular, was very popular in Russia, with the film ‘Mera Naam Joker’ running to packed houses in Russia (‘Mera Naam Joker’ also starred Russian actress ‘Kseniya Ryabinkina’).


Russian Army Para troopers dance and sing on ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’, a classic Bollywood song of the legendary Raj kapoor.



Did You Know…

Apart from Raj Kapoor’s classics such as Awara and Shree 420, other Bollywood films that are most popular in Russia are ‘Sita aur Gita’ (starring the dream-girl ‘Hema Malini’) and ‘Disco Dancer’ (starring Mithun da, with super-hit music by Bappi-da).

After watching ‘Sita aur Gita’, children in Moscow courtyards tried to repeat the circus tricks of Hema Malini. They copied her tightrope act and her daring manner of behaviour and speech.

However, its was Mithun Chakraborty who became a superstar for the new generation, with Disco Dancer. The dance halls at almost all Soviet summer resorts in the 80s resounded with the sounds of ‘I Am a Disco Dancer’. At some places, fanatics even requested the song to be played ten times over.


For all those ‘I’m a Disco Dancer’ fans, here comes the song, which was sung by Vijay Benedict and composed by Bappi Lahiri. Enjoy!


Bollywood Movies Shot in Russia

Before we discuss further the popularity of Bollywood films in Russia, lets have a look at Bollywood movies shot in Russia.

The popular ones include: Khoon Maaf, Agent Vinod, Lucky: No Time For Love, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, Players.

Lucky: No Time For Love (Salman Khan and Sneha Ullal, who resembles quite a lot like Aishwarya Rai) & Players have a lot of footage shot in this country. In fact, ‘Lucky: No Time for Love’ was shot entirely in this country.



Here are some of the popular Russian locations seen in our movies.


Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood, Saint Petersburg, Russia

The Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
The Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia

Saint Isaac Cathedral, St. Petersburg, Russia
Saint Isaac Cathedral, St. Petersburg, Russia

Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia

All Russia Exhibition Centre, Moscow, Russia
All Russia Exhibition Centre, Moscow, Russia

Did You Know?
Among the several Russian fans of Indian movies, ‘WhatsApp’ Co-Founder Jan Koum is one of them.

Jan Koum, who grew up in the former Soviet Union, has watched a lot of Bollywood in his younger days. The man who sold his company for $19 billion to Facebook is well-versed with Bollywood and has watched the movie ‘Disco Dancer’ around 20 times as a kid.

Market Dynamics at Play

saint petersburg in russia
So why is it that Indian movies are not so popular nowadays?

It’s because Hollywood movies are no longer banned here, and after the collapse of the Soviet film distribution system, Hollywood movies have filled the void created in the Russian film market.

This had an obvious impact on Bollywood films, which started losing market share to Hollywood (this happens in several overseas markets for Bollywood films).

However, in recent times, even Bollywood films have started becoming sleeker, with bigger budgets, most are shot in foreign locations, and even the music has a global appeal. No wonder that Russian newspapers are now reporting that there is a renewed interest in Bollywood among young Russians.

Russian Women Love Bollywood Films

There’s no doubt that Russians love watching Indian cinema classics, especially from the sixties & seventies.

There are several threads talking about these movies (trivia, photographs and stories) on several Internet forums.

These films also get regularly shown on Russian television, especially the Domashny channel, which is aimed at women and promotes family values.

Like many other countries, even in Russia, families and women seem to be more loyal to Bollywood films (I guess because of its portrayal of family and its emotional content, and the dancing of course ).



For Russian fans of Indian films, there is even a special satellite channel called ‘India TV’.

But again, its the Bollywood dance that has taken the world by storm. Even Russians love Indian dance, and to capitalize on that, almost every popular sports club in Russia (especially Moscow) teaches yoga and the art of Indian dance.


President Dmitry Medvedev, with Bollywood biggies, on his visit to India
President Dmitry Medvedev, with Bollywood biggies, on his visit to India

Russia Tourism

Tourism in Russia has seen rapid growth since the late Soviet times, first inner tourism and then international tourism as well.

Diverse regions and ethnic cultures, rich cultural heritage (several UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and a great natural variety makes Russia one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.


Bollywood movies shot in Russia

Major tourist routes in Russia include:

  • Travel around the Golden Ring of ancient cities
  • Cruises on the big rivers like Volga
  • Long journeys on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway

Additional information about Russia:

  • Capital: Moscow. Dialing code: 7. Currency: Russian ruble

Do you know what’s the Exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the Russian Ruble?

Its the same, almost 1:1…This makes Russia a tempting travel destination for Indians.

Some of the top places frequented by Indian travelers include the Kremlin, Red Square, the Old Tsar houses, Cruise along Moscow river.


Checkout this video of Destination Russia.


Related Posts:

  • Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots &…
  • Top music schools / colleges in the world
  • Rakesh Roshan completes 50 years in Bollywood, talks about…
  • Best Bollywood Holi Songs: Fun & Masti to Celebrate the…

Filed Under: Film Tourism Locations

RELATED POSTS

Films Shot at Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin, Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb (tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun), located at Nizamuddin in Delhi, is a popular tourist as well as filming location. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s son Akbar in 1569-70; the monument was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992. Watch: Historical monuments in Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi…from 5 min on-wards […]

Mahesh Bhatt and family

Arth: Mahesh Bhatt’s classic

Mahesh Bhatt’s classic film Arth will be the first Bollywood film to be remade in Pakistan. Highlights of the original Arth: Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Arth’ (about a married man involved in a relationship outside his marriage) is considered to be a classic in Indian cinema, the movie portrays Mahesh Bhatt’s extramarital relationship with Parveen Babi. The […]

Once again, SRK, Salman and Akshay feature in the Forbes’ list of highest-paid celebrities

Forbes recently came out with the list of the top paid 100 celebs in the world, and guess what…our Bollywood A-listers (Shahrukh, Salman and Akshay) once again have featured among the highest paid actors in the world. The Forbes list of the ‘World’s Highest-Paid Celebrities of 2017’ is out, and at the top is American […]

movie business

Kailash Kher Mesmerises Fans With His Music Concert in Pakistan

Indian singer Kailash Kher performed in Pakistan for the first time with his concert in Karachi. This was indeed an euphoric moment considering that it came close on the heels of the unexpected cancellation of his Lahore concert, and also the frustrating cancellation of Indian band Euphoria’s second Pakistan concert earlier this month. Popular singer […]

Urban Travellers Ready to Experience Rich Indian Rural Life Through Travel

Almost everybody loves travelling, but have you ever been to a popular, scenic destination in India and wished that you could get to stay the life of the locals for a few days. Well, in that case, you’re not alone. There are many in India, especially the youth, who’re keen to discover the beauty and […]

Why You Don’t Find Indian Models in Lingerie Shoots?

Lingerie is a fast growing market in India and you can see a a lot of lingerie shoots happening in India. But despite the several opportunities available for Indian models, most of them shy away from doing lingerie shoots. Most such ads are currently done my models from foreign countries, especially from Russia & from […]

Brian Rudd

Steve Waugh performs last rites in Varanasi for popular Sydney-based shoe-shiner

Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh, who is in India with regards to the current India-Australia series, visited Varanasi to perform the last rites for Brian Rudd, a popular, homeless shoe-shiner in Sydney at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. “A lot of guys live on the street and they are very very sick. They are mentally […]

The Great Indian Millionaire Boom: Witnessing Fastest Growth of Multi-millionaires in Asia-Pacific

There’s no doubt that there has been tremendous development in India in the last couple o decades. Although experts may claim that the growth (and reforms) is happening at a slower rate, foreign companies continue to invest in India, India companies are going global, and the number of millionaires in India is increasing by the […]

Bollywood Controversies

Esha Gupta accuses man of ‘raping with eyes’, social media says its publicity stunt for her upcoming movie

Bollywood actress Esha Gupta has sparked a controversy by tweeting that a Delhi-based hotelier ‘raped her with his eyes’. She tweeted about the uncomfortable incident on her social media accounts, but many felt it was an attempt to gain publicity at the expense of someone else, as her movie us due for release. If a […]

big bollywood wedding

Indian Wedding Photographers Showcase

Here we take a look at some of the best wedding photographers in the business. Most of them have been doing photography for several years and have the required experience (and the right team) to deliver the pest pictures of your wedding. An elegant wedding album is the souvenir and reminder of your special day, […]

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

RECENT POSTS

music cities

Top music schools / colleges in the world

Top music schools / colleges in the world to learn music performance under expert musicians, to … [Read More...] about Top music schools / colleges in the world

Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

Poland is located in the heart of Europe and is well known for its history, which is reflected in … [Read More...] about Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

movie trailers

Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

Want to know when the next entertainer of your favorite star is going to be released? Want to plan … [Read More...] about Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC)

Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

Movies are one of the most influential tools of communication and society does learn a few things or … [Read More...] about Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

bollywood rapes

Representation of women in Bollywood Films

Women in Bollywood films have been subject to stereotypes and objectification, and appeared in … [Read More...] about Representation of women in Bollywood Films

Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

How's the music Scene in Saudi Arabia. Is it really frowned upon? Read more here. Young musicians in … [Read More...] about Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

Shabana Azmi, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) of Pune, made her film … [Read More...] about Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

war movie

Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

Hrithik Roshan is a superstar in Bollywood and is among the highest paid actors in the film … [Read More...] about Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

sooryavanshi movie

Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Almost everybody associated with the film industry is despondent about the future. With COVID-19 … [Read More...] about Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Money Scandals

Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

In Bollywood and other film industries in India, there's a saying that "there's no business like the … [Read More...] about Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

Amazon Fashion

Useful Read

  • Who coined the term ‘Bollywood’?
  • Dadasaheb Phalke (Father of Indian Cinema)
  • Evolution of Hindi Films
  • Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

Footer

Upcoming Bollywood Movies

  • Love Aaj Kal Movie
  • Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Movie
  • Hawayein Movie
  • Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan Movie
  • The Hundred Bucks Movie
  • BHOOT: Part One – The Haunted Ship Movie
  • Haunted Hills Movie
  • 'O' Pushpa I Hate Tears Movie
  • Guns Of Banaras Movie
  • Thappad Movie

Bollywood Movie Reviews

  • Malang Review
  • Jawaani Jaaneman Review
  • Panga Review
  • Street Dancer 3D Review
  • Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior Review
  • Chhapaak Review
  • Good Newwz Review

Top Celebs

  • Ajay Devgn
  • Kajol
  • Saif Ali Khan
  • Shraddha Kapoor
  • Varun Dhawan
  • Deepika Padukone
  • Kangana Ranaut
  • Tabu
  • Aditya Roy Kapur
  • Disha Patani
  • Rajinikanth

About Us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in