The US is one of the biggest overseas market for the India film industry, with a huge Asian community that relishes Bollywood films.
Most Bollywood films that get produced, do try to capitalize on this aspect, as the US is indeed one of the major revenue earners for Indian films.
Loving downtime in the US. Back up soon with announcements. Til then enjoy! pic.twitter.com/MEyc9rNAF7
— Madhuri Dixit-Nene (@MadhuriDixit) June 23, 2017
Recent Bollywood releases in the U.S. have debuted in the top ten at the box office, beating out several U.S. movies that had a countrywide release. However, that doesn’t mean that all Americans are excited about Indian films (though films like “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Life of Pi” have helped the cause); usually, its the Asians & fans of SRK (various nationalities) who throng the cinemas.
Several Bollywood movies have been shot in the US, including Sridevi’s comeback movie ‘English Vinglish’. The best part about this country is that it offers a varied landscape and you can get almost any type of landscape you want for your films. But, because it can get expensive to shoot in the US, only the big banners have their films shot here!
Bollywood Movies Shot in United States of America (US)
Popular Bollywood movies shot in the United States (USA) include Dhoom 3, Anjaana Anjaani, Dhoom 3, English Vinglish, Jeans, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Kurbaan, London Paris New York, My Name Is Khan, Pardes, Swades.
Dhoom 3 was shot extensively in Chicago.
“Tu Hi Junoon” song in front of the pretty wooden porches of Chicago alleys. This song was shot in the neighbourhood of Diversey in Chicago, USA.
In ‘My Name Is Khan’ you can ‘California State Capitol (Sacramento)’ in the Climax scene where Shah Rukh meets the President.
“Hairat” song from ‘Anjaana Anjaani’ shot at the Jean Dry Lake in the Nevada Desert, USA.
Checkout this song ‘Hairat’ from Anjaana Anjaani that has been shot in the heart of the United States of America
First Foreign Makeover of US Drama Series
Anil Kapoor who starred in the hugely popular ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ also starred in the first ever foreign makeover of a popular US drama series.
The television viewers in India were recently treated to a hindi makeover of the cult Hollywood show ’24’. Anil Kapoor, played the role of Los Angeles-based anti-terrorism fighter Jack Bauer (original Bauer was played by Kiefer Sutherland).
Not Many Movies Getting Filmed In the US?
Sometime back we had mentioned how the one-time Bollywood favorite Switzerland is now making way for other locations in Europe (cost being one of the major factor).
And now it seems, Bollywood is not starry-eyed about even America anymore, at least for filming their movies. And more than the cost, its the visa problems that’s discouraging most filmmakers.
Even the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, have faced trouble at US airports because of their “surnames”.
Visa and permit delays are the main reasons why fewer Indian films are being shot in America. Unlike other countries that go out of their way to woo Bollywood filmmakers, US doesn’t seem to be keen to take that approach towards Indian films.
Bollywood Awards & Film Festivals in the US
Bollywood’s 2014 IIFA awards was held in US, in the Tampa Bay region (which has a very active Indian community). This was the first time that the multi-day Indian film event was held in the United States.
America is the second largest market for Hindi movies internationally, and the organizers are really hoping that the event results in a cross-cultural blossoming in India-U.S. trade, tourism and entertainment.
The IIFA weekend introduced the American audiences to the richness & variety of experience in Indian films (it made them understand that Indian cinema is not just about song and dance). An acting workshop was also conducted by Vidya Balan, along with with Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey.
Biggest Film Industry & Top Quality Film Schools
US is home to the biggest film industry in the world (Hollywood) and also has some great film-making schools.
Kangana Ranaut (of ‘Queen’ fame) had gone to New York to study film-making, but had to take a break mid-way for promoting her movie ‘Queen’ (which turned out to be a runaway hit).
It seems, Kangana really enjoyed the anonymity while studying abroad, and will be returning back to the US to complete her course.
United States of America(USA) Tourism
Tourism in the United States is a large industry that serves millions of international and domestic tourists yearly. Popular tourist attractions in the United States include amusement parks, festivals, gambling, golf courses, historical buildings and landmarks, hotels, museums, galleries, outdoor recreation, spas, restaurants and sports.
Top Things to Do in the United States of America:
- Las Vegas – Everything about the Sin City is meant to be over the top, so better way to go over the top is to actually see the city from high above it
- Checkout the Manhattan skyline from the air and water
- Explore the Big Apple – New York
- Vist the Grand Canyon and see it from above and below
- Visit San Francisco – Foggy, hilly, and full of hearts, has the unique ability to be trendy, historic, outdoorsy, and urban.
- Explore the wilderness of Alaska, one of the most scenic outposts in America.
- Feel like a kid again in Orlando. the city that’s home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld.
- Niagara Falls — an impressive sight no matter whether you’re on the American or the Canadian side.
- Go whale watching in the islands of Hawaii, the most isolated landmass found anywhere on Earth
- See the Skyline of the Windy City ‘Chicago’, considered to be the birth of the skyscraper.
- Enjoy the diversity of the Wild West – known for its Cowboys, Indians, diversity, and freedom
Checkout this video of Destination USA.
