Bollywood’s connection with Vancouver, Canada: Movies shot, film festivals and other Bollywood related events in Vancouver…
Shah Rukh Khan, the most popular man in India and among the most famous actors in the world, was at the Vancouver Convention Centre for TED2017 for his TED talk speech.
“Lesson learned: be spontaneous in life and this might happen! Shah Rukh Khan you are everything I imagined and more!! Now if you need extras in your next movie please do contact us — also we are still willing to give you that tour of Vancouver,” Mojaddidi posted to her Facebook page,” one of SRK’s fans in vancouver.
So you probably know about Vancouver’s proximity to Hollywood, several Hollywood films have been shot & produced in Vancouver. If you’re visiting this place you just might see a film being shot around town or in Stanley Park.
But how about its connection with Bollywood?
A recent trend in Bollywood has been to film in North America to take advantage of the large South Asian population, general subsidies, well-developed film infrastructure, and a supportive government.
Movies Shot in Vancouver (B.C.)
An action scene of the movie ‘Phantom’, starring Saif Ali Khan & Katrina Kaif, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Kabir Khan, was recently shot in Vancouver. The movie is about life after the 2008 Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks, and is slated for an early 2015 release. The location of the action sequence was downtown Vancouver’s West Hastings Street, but in the movie its projected as an unnamed U.S. city. The film has been shot around the world including Beirut.
Here are few more movies that were shot here:
Besides Taal, Pardes, Koi mil gaya, Kal ho na ho, other movies that have been shot here are Tum bin, The Hero, International Khiladi, Hollywood bollywood, Khushi, Shakti, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, Aitbaar, Supari, Aapko Phele Bhi Kahin Dekha hai, Run.
Macmillan Space Centre, Vancouver
Vancouver University of British Columbia
Stanley Park Vancouver
TOIFA Awards
Vancouver hosted the first-ever Times of India Film Awards on April 6, 2013 at BC Place.
Facts about TOIFA:
Here are some more facts about the Times of India Film Awards, which was held at Vancouver, BC:
Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Anuskha Sharma and Karan Johar attended the event and were put up at the Pan Pacific, Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Pacific Rim in Coal Harbour.
101 Bollywood celebrities attended the awards function and around 3,000 rooms were booked in Vancouver for TOIFA 2013.
Checkout this video of the TOIFA awards, held in Vancouver:
TOIFA is not to be confused with the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAA), which is more of the Indian equivalent of the Oscars. B.C initially bid to host this event but could not make it through.
Shooting in Vancouver
As mentioned, Vancouver already has a world-class film infrastructure. The Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission (non-profit organization) markets and promote the locations, skills and creativity available in Victoria and Vancouver Island to the global film industry.
You can expect – Experienced local crew, film friendly communities, historic downtown with European style architecture, great scenery (Mountain, lakes, castles and lighthouses all within 30 mins of town centres), generous and predictable tax incentives, and lot more.
Vancouver Tourism
Here’s more on Vancouver:
10 Must-See attractions of Vancouver:
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: Stretches across a canyon and the Capilano River
- Vancouver Aquarium: See beluga whale, dolphin and sea otter shows, hands-on animal encounter, and much more
- Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours: Vancouver’s #1 attraction, take the old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicle to see the natural beauty of Stanley Park.
- Harbour Cruises & Events: For unparalleled views of Vancouver and a delightful way to experience the
- Granville Island: A charming public market that is home to 300 businesses, studios and facilities, the destination still retains an old-fashioned, timeless feeling. Be sure to also stroll the narrow lanes of the island to check out its unique shops and photo-worthy views of downtown across False Creek.
- Vancouver Lookout: Located in the downtown Harbour Centre, its the perfect place to survey the city and plan – or reflect upon – your day.
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden: A sanctuary in the heart of the city, featuring authentic classical Chinese gardens (only one built outside of China).
- Vancouver Art Gallery: Highly acclaimed collection of national and international contemporary art.
- Science World: See jaw-dropping science demonstrations on Centre Stage, inspirational feature exhibitions & hands-on interactive displays, impressive films in the domed OMNIMAX Theatre and awesome shows in the Science Theatre.
- Grouse Mountain: The wilderness paradise located 15-minutes from downtown Vancouver, and the famous Grouse Mountain Skyride (North America’s largest aerial tram system) takes you to the Alpine Station, located 3,700 feet above sea level
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