Malaysia – A Bollywood Destination

Location, location, location – that’s what Indian filmmakers seemed to have been thinking when they packed their bags and dug their heels into Malaysia. Bollywood is a big deal here and it isn’t just because the locals like our films. Apart from a slightly unfriendly mark that the Malaysian PM’s favourite actress (Priyanka Chopra) in 2011, the country has seen a barrage of film crews over the years. So, what makes Malaysia a Bollywood dream? What’s the allure that keeps actors like Shah Rukh Khan going back for more and fans from screaming out his name at the airport? It’s almost like a mini India there, with fans going gaga over movies, actors akin to royalty and politicians shaking their hands amid much fanfare. From the year 2000, with Sunil Shetty starring Aaghaaz shooting Dil Dil Aawara Dil in Sunway Lagoon to the more recent Malacca Prison shot in the Shah Rukh Khan sequel to Don, locations in Malaysia have been in a long drawn out love affair with Bollywood that doesn’t seem to be ending. If your idea of a vacation is a home away from home and home equals Bollywood for you, this may be one place you really have to think of visiting. If you want to sing and dance your way through a pretend Bollywood film, this is your one-stop destination to it. Stand on the Seri Saujana Bridge and sing Kubaku Mujhe Tu from Dil Maange More!! or pretend to be talking about a mission at the Kuala Lumpur airport like Aamir Khan in Fanaa – whether it’s a mushy romance or an action packed blockbuster, you can play out your favourite scenes and meet likeminded crazed fans to talk about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan. Walk around the city and you’ll meet at least one local who is dying to make his foray into Bollywood movies – no different from the city of dreams back home. And if Shah Rukh Khan recently being honoured in Malaysia for his contribution to Bollywood is anything to go by – you’ll meet a bus load of the Ra. One actor’s fans as well. So, where would a cinema lover like you go, you ask? Dance over to KLCC Gardens or Petronas Twin Towers for a song, head over to Planet Hollywood to grab a quick bite, stay at Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur, visit the Bukit Tinggi Resort in Pahang and soak up some luxury at Langkawi Yacht Club on Langkawi Island. After all, that’s where the stars have been. And who knows, you might be lucky enough to catch the latest Bollywood flick being shot on location while you’re there.