8 Hit Bollywood Films Shot in Australia

Bollywood’s love for exotic destinations is a well-known fact. Over the years Australia has emerged as a popular Bollywood film shooting destination, owing to its striking diversity. Salaam Namaste was one of the first Bollywood films to be shot entirely in Australia. Inspired by this, many other film makers followed suit. Ranging from vibrant cosmopolitan cities, to wide open countryside and stunning natural terrain in the form of beaches, deserts, mountains and coral reefs, Australia truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Here is a list of eight Bollywood films shot in Australia. So come along with us on this beautiful journey which will leave you completely spellbound.

1. Dil Chahta Hai (Sydney)

bollywood-dil-chahta-hai — The song Jaaney Kyun was shot near the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge

I will be a tad biased here and start the list with Dil Chahta Hai, one of my favourite films till date. Who can forget Aamir Khan and Preity Zinta in the popular song “Jaane Kyun”, shot at breathtaking locations around Sydney like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

“Tanhayee”, another heart-breaking, yet soulful song of the film was shot at Milsons Point Railway Station, Waverley Cemetery and Macquaire Lighthouse in Sydney.

2. Shaadi Ke Side Effects (Queensland)

bollywood-shaadi-ke-side-effects — Romantic songs from Shaadi Ke Side Effects were shot in Queensland

Recent release, Shaadi ke Side Effects starring Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan has also been shot in Australia. Romantic songs from the film have been shot in Queensland.

Located in the north-east of Australia, Queensland is home to areas of stunning natural beauty such as the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef and many gorgeous beaches including the Whitehaven Beach and the Airlie Beach.

3. Chak De India (Melbourne)

bollywood-chak-de-india — The Hockey World Cup scenes from Chak De India were shot in Melbourne

Another much loved Bollywood film shot in Australia was Chak De India. The story of the India women’s national hockey team and their focussed coach, played by Shah Rukh Khan, the film touched a chord with all who watched it.

Shot in Melbourne, at the Webb Bridge, State Netball Hockey Centre, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Sydney Olympic Park, these scenic locations only added to the movie watching experience.

4. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Melbourne)

bollywood-bhaag-milkha-bhaag — The song Ghul Mil Launda was shot at the beaches of Melbourne

Bollywood went to Australia yet again to shoot Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a biopic based on the life of ace sprinter Milkha Singh. The song Ghul Mil Launda was shot at the beautiful beaches of Melbourne, where Farhan Akhtar serenades the gorgeous Rebecca Breeds.

Other attractions one can enjoy in Melbourne are the Federation Square, Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne Park and the Victoria Arts Centre among others.

5. Singhh is Kingg (Brisbane and Gold Coast)

bollywood-singh-is-kinng — Large parts of Singhh is Kingg were shot in Brisbane and Gold Coast

Who can forget Akshay Kumar as the happy go lucky, yet clumsy Happy Singh in Singhh is Kingg! It is in the Brisbane and Gold Coast area that Kumar indulges in most of his histrionics along with his eccentric pals and his love interest Katrina Kaif.

The Brisbane City Hall, Kangaroo Point, Chinatown, Queensland and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art are a few other attractions to look out for in Brisbane.

6. Bachna Ae Haseeno (Sydney)

bollywood-bachna-ae-haseeno — Few scenes of Bachna Ae Haseeno were shot near the Archibald Fountain and Sydney Opera House

This light hearted romantic comedy stars Ranbir Kapoor as Raj, a free spirited Casanova who moves on effortlessly from one relationship to another, without any regrets.

A large part of the film has been shot in Sydney, especially near the picturesque Sydney Opera House and the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park; one of the Sydney’s oldest and most popular parks.

7. Major Saab (Queensland)

bollywood-major-saab — The song Pyaar Kiya Toh Nibhana was shot near the Milla Milla Falls in Queensland

Who can forget Sonali Bendre and Ajay Devgn romancing each other to “Pyaar kiya toh nibhana”! One of the most popular and hummable numbers of Major Saab, this song was shot near the beautiful Milla Milla Falls in Queensland.

A popular tourist destination in Queensland, the Milla Milla Falls are 18.3 metres high and attract many swimmers as the pool under the falls is suitable for swimming.

8. Bade Acche Lagte Hai (Sydney)

bollywood-bade-ache-lagte-hai — A few scenes of Bade Ache Lagte Hai were shot at the Sydney Cricket Grounds

Not to be left behind, even Hindi serials have shifted their shooting locations to foreign shores, Australia in particular. One of the recent and most popular Hindi soaps to be shot in Sydney is Bade Acche Lagte Hai. Honeymoon scenes of Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar were shot in Sydney and cover popular attractions in the city like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Botanic Garden and the Sydney Cricket Grounds. Other than this there are other Hindi soaps which have been shot in Australia, including familiar names like Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara.

Has reading all of this made you want to relive moments of your favourite films! In that case don’t wait any longer and book your holiday to Australia today to enjoy an exciting vacation of a lifetime.

Book Your Australia Holiday Now!

Maryann Taylor Follow

Maryann Taylor, among other things is primarily a teller of anecdotes, devourer of books, compulsive writer, dog lover, cat slave, daydreamer and traveller, who still takes delight in reading Enid Blyton and riding bicycles.

Comments

greath smith | on 27 October 2018

You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me.

Rakesh | on 04 August 2018

First ever Indian film shot in Australia is Kamal Hasan's Indian

Grandz Locations | on 28 June 2018

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Jonas | on 24 June 2018

Soldier movie (Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta) was shot extensively in Sydney.... not just one song like major saab. Almost 3/4 of the movie was based in Sydney. It was released in Oct 1998.

HEENA | on 17 February 2015

The above is not correct. Yes Sallam Namaste was shot in australia and released in 2005 But Major Saab was the first Bollywood movie shot in Australia in 1997 and released in 1998 June. Beacon Holidays had done the location scouting with Abhishek Bachchan who was looking after the production of ABCL then before launching his career as an actor.