For those who don't know, Bollywood is India's Hindi-language film industry located in Mumbai. Bollywood is a portmanteau of Bombay (Mumbai's erstwhile name) and Bollywood. It is the draw of the glitz and glamor of Bollywood that brings them to Mumbai for many tourists. The chance to experience the culture of Bollywood is one of the biggest reasons to visit Mumbai. To accommodate the curiosity of tourists, especially foreigners, there are many Bollywood tours and attractions that await you with open arms as you embark on your Mumbai visit.
To kick-off, your Bollywood-themed tour of Mumbai, begin with the Bandstand Promenade. The Bandstand Promenade is the equivalent of Hollywood's Walk of the Stars. However, the Walk of the Stars has since been removed, but this area is home to many of Bollywood's top stars, and you can spot many as you venture through the area.
The next place to visit is, of course, Mumbai's famous Film City. This is an enormous film studio complex that has been a popular shooting location for Bollywood films since the early 1970s. At the Film City, you will get the opportunity to see a live shoot where you can observe firsthand the many nuances involved in acting. From the takes and retakes directed by the film's director to the beauty with which the actors slip in and out of their characters to deliver exceptional performances. You will also be able to experience the entire process from pre-production to post-production. There are not only movie sets located here, but there are also many TV serial sets that you can visit.
The tours of the Film City are offered in both English and Hindi by tour guides who have excellent insider knowledge of Bollywood. Refreshments are also provided during the trip.
If you are lucky, you can even catch some live entertainment as you catch a Bollywood dance show in progress. The tour also includes a short documentary film on the history of Bollywood and the use of special effects and other technology in Bollywood.
From the Film City, visit the Bollywood Museum, where you will get many opportunities to try out various Bollywood costumes that have been used in many famous movies of Bollywood. Along with a visit to the Bollywood Museum, you will also visit the Dubbing Studio and the Wall of Fame gallery. If you are lucky, there will be many photo opportunities with famous TV and Film stars that frequent this area.
Apart from the Film City and Bollywood Museum, there are several other places you should visit while on your Bollywood trip in Mumbai. Pay a visit to Juhu, which is a popular filming location and also a famous tourist attraction in Mumbai. Juhu is an upscale coastal neighborhood of Mumbai, and it is home to many of the top Bollywood stars.
Another place to visit is the S.J. Studios, where many famous Bollywood movies have been shot. You can even opt for taking Bollywood dance lessons if there are any interesting offers running.
Remember that shootings are going on in these studios most of these days and it is not possible for tourists to simply walk in to observe the shootings. This is why it is better to book a studio tour beforehand so that you can enjoy your trip without any hassles.
A trip to Mumbai and India is not complete without a tour of the glitzy Bollywood. A Bollywood visit is the perfect way to remember your time to India forever.