Spain knows how a successful Bollywood film can hugely influence Indian tourists, as was evident after the release of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which was primarily filmed in Spain.
Now Spain (third most visited country in the world) is encouraging Indian film-makers to use its colourful fiestas, festivals, and historic monuments as settings for their films, in order to get more Indian visitors to Spain.
Spain will also be hosting the annual International Indian Film Academy awards (known as the “Bollywood Oscars”) this year in Madrid.
Spain a Household Name in India Now
“Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” showed us the beauty of Spain, which is actually not the country that comes to our minds (Indians living in India) when we think of European countries. For most Bollywood fans, Europe means countries like Switzerland, England & Italy. But that changed after the success of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
However, post this movie, the Bollywood movie that first comes to mind when you talk about Spain is ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’. Everything about the movie, including the shooting locations, were brilliant.
The movie was solely responsible for making Spain a household name in India and increasing tourism from India
Such was the impact of the movie, that Spanish tourism from India saw a significant increase (the year when the movie was released), especially at its on-shoot locations.
In fact, most tourist agencies in Spain now offer the ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Movie Beach Tour’ to Costa Brava and Lloret de Mar beaches, and other locations in Spain that were filmed in the movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
Tour operators in India now offer tailored adventure tour packages to Spain from India that include activities such as deep sea diving, flamenco dancing, skydiving and bull fighting (as seen in the film).
Bollywood Scouting for More Locations in Spain
Industry bigwigs (from Bollywood) have been visiting Spain to scout for more locations and production services, from a commercial perspective. And most were surprised to see the diversity of locations/culture that Spain has to offer, besides being famous for their flamenco, bullfighting, & Seafood.
Though these visits were not for any particular movie, these experts (heads of various film organisations in India) are expected to give their feedback to the various producers/filmmakers when they return back to India..
Several contemporary Bollywood films have plots that require them to shoot internationally and therefore its necessary to scout new locations, as it also helps in capturing new audiences for our films..
The advantage to these foreign countries is that it helps their tourism, as films shot there helps them to attract thousands of new visitors from India..
Indian films have done wonders for tourism in Switzerland and UK, and could do the same to Spain.
Bollywood Movies Shot in Spain
Bollywood movies shot in Spain include Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was shot extensively in Spain. Here are some of the locations which you could see in the film.
Ronda Bridge, Ronda, Andalusia
- Senorita song – Alajar Town, Huelva, Spain
- Ik Junoon song – Town Square, Buñol, Spain
- Scene where they spend the night in the car (in a desert) – Bardenas Reales, Spain
- Katrina’s introduction scene at the beach – Boadella Beach, Costa Brava, Spain
- Scene where Farhan throws hrithik’s cell phone out of the car – Serra de Rubio Windfarm, Igualada, Spain
- Scene where Katrina kisses Hrithik before the Khwabon Ke Parindey song – Rio Tinto Mines, Huelva Province, Spain
Scene at the hotel where they meet after their arrival in Barcelona – Hotel Casa Fuster – Barcelona, Spain
Dil Dhadakne Do song – Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Barcelona, Spain
Watch the making of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Did You Know?
La Tomatina, the tomato-throwing festival, was re-created in Bunol in Valencia for the film. Some 16 tons of tomatoes were flown in specially from Portugal.
Favorite Vacation Spot for Bollywood Stars
Spain has always been a favorite with celebrities, when it comes to taking a break from work. Now with more and more Indian tourists visiting this place, you’ll most likely bump into a Bollywood celebrity as well. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif were clicked recently while vacationing in Ibiza.
Here’s what Farhan Akhtar has to say about Spain.
Kriti Sanon shares pictures from Spain.
Kriti Sanon in Barcelona, the Park Güell is a public park system made of of gardens and architectonic elements, located on Carmel Hill, in Barcelona, Catalonia.
Celebrities Learning Spanish
Spanish is spoken in several countries around the world, and there are many who’re learning to speak this foreign language.
One of them is Actress Asin, who is also fond of travelling.
Asin, is already fluent in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, English.
Spanish Castellers in Mumbai for Dahi Handi
Now that the people in India have seen ‘Spain’ (in the movie), there’s going to be a lot of interest among Indians regarding this destination. Even Spain now understands how Bollywood can play an important role in promoting tourism.
Spanish Castellars can already be seen during Janmasthami in Mumbai, so I guess even the Spanish people will get to see more of Bollywood.
The Spanish Castellers have been visiting Mumbai in recent times, to celebrate Janmasthami with the local Govindas.
A spectacular dahi handi competition between Spanish castellers and local govindas kickstarted the Janmashtami celebrations in Mumbai, at the Gateway of India waterfront. Read Full Story here…
Bollywood Invasion of Spain
Spain Tourism
Capital: Madrid
Dialing code: 34
Currency: Euro
Official language: Spanish Language
Spain is a vibrant country where the people are always ready to greet you with an open smile. There are also a multitude of festivities celebrated in Spanish towns and cities all year round. These events offer the ideal excuse for dancing, sharing traditions, & simply having a good time. Spain offers numerous castles, palaces, spectacular beaches, and above all has a wonderful weather throughout the year.
Checkout this video of Destination Spain.
