Lights, Camera, Kangra: Bollywood Movie Scenes Shot in Kangra Valley

Nestled in the breathtaking lap of the Himalayan foothills, Kangra Valley has become a favorite spot for Bollywood filmmakers. Its luxurious tea gardens, towering mountains, and historic attractions offer the perfect backdrop for awe-inspiring cinematic storytelling.

Let’s take a dive into some of our superhit Bollywood films and scenes shot in the beautiful locations of Kangra Valley, highlighting the magic the age-old Himalayan foothills bring to the big screen.

Table of Contents

Rockstar’s “Sadda Haq” Song at Norbulingka Institute

best experience in Kangra Valley - Scene from Rockstar's "Sadda Haq" Song shot at Norbulingka Institute — Scene from Rockstar’s “Sadda Haq” Song shot at Norbulingka Institute

Imtiaz Ali’s “Rockstar,” starring Ranbir Kapoor, has been our favorite since it was released and is renowned for its soulful music and aesthetic visuals. You will be delighted to know that one of the film’s most iconic songs, “Sadda Haq,” was shot at the Norbulingka Institute situated in Dharamshala. This beautiful institute is dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and offers a unique setting that perfectly highlights the rebellious spirit of this energetic song.

Scene from Rockstar's "Sadda Haq" Song shot at Norbulingka Institute — Scene from Rockstar’s “Sadda Haq” Song shot at Norbulingka Institute

If you want to grab the best experience in Himachal Pradesh, visit the Norbulingka Institute during your tour to marvel at its intricate Tibetan architecture and lush gardens that collectively form a visually stunning backdrop for “Sadda Haq.” The song’s powerful lyrics and Ranbir Kapoor’s award-winning performance were amplified by the equally striking surroundings in Kangra Valley. This location added to the creative value of the film and introduced many viewers to the hidden gems of Kangra Valley embedded in Dharamshala along with its Tibetan community.

Shershaah: The Story of Captain Vikram Batra

best experience in Kangra Valley - Scene from Shershaah movie shot at a tea garden in Palampur — Scene from Shershaah movie shot at a tea garden in Palampur

We loved Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani in “Shershaah”, a remarkable film based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra that pays tribute to the bravery of the Indian Army officer from Palampur. The talented director Vishnuvardhan made sure that the film beautifully captured the beauty of Palampur, showcasing several major locations.

Scene from Shershaah movies shot at The Neugal Bridge, Palampur

The Neugal Bridge and the tea gardens of Palampur are widely featured in “Shershaah” showcasing their dainty landscapes and peaceful ambiance. The scenes shot here in Palampur not only highlight the natural beauty of Palampur but also make us feel the deep connection between Captain Batra and his beloved hometown. You can grab the best experience in Himachal Pradesh at the tea gardens with Himalayan Adrenaline’s guided tea garden tours across beaming greenery, serving as a peaceful yet strong reminder of our hero’s roots.

best experience in Kangra Valley - Scene from Shershaah movie shot in Palampur — Scene from Shershaah movie shot in Palampur

Mary Kom: A Moment of Serenity at St. John’s Church in Dharamsala

A scene from Mary Kom movie shot at St. John's Church in Dharamsala — A scene from Mary Kom movie shot at St. John’s Church in Dharamsala

The biographical sports film “Mary Kom,” starring Priyanka Chopra gathered waves of appreciation across borders as it chronicles the inspiring journey of the eponymous boxing champion. Among the various locations used in the film, the St. John’s Church in Dharamsala was a particularly dreamy setting.

St. John’s Church is famous for its neo-Gothic architecture and peaceful surroundings and was chosen for the filming of the song “Sukoon Mila,” which tells us about Mary Kom’s wedding. The church’s serene and dainty ambiance provided the perfect backdrop for this significant and emotional moment in the film that garnered a lot of appreciation. Everyone loved the beautifully crafted scenes at the church that added a layer of depth to Mary Kom’s story, improving the overall narrative with a touch of aesthetics and calm.

best experience in Kangra Valley - A scene from Mary Kom movie shot at St. John's Church in Dharamsala — A scene from Mary Kom movie shot at St. John’s Church in Dharamsala

Bhoot Police: Exploring Palampur’s Mystical Charm

A scene from Bhoot Police movie shot in Palampur

“Bhoot Police” is a horror-comedy film starring Jacqueline Fernandez, Yami Gautam, Saif Ali Khan, and Arjun Kapoor, that showcased the mystical charm of Palampur to create an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. The movie beautifully featured the tea gardens, pine forests, Neugal Bridge, and the Neugal River, showcasing the unparalleled natural beauty of Palampur while adding to the film’s supernatural themes.

best experience in Kangra Valley - A scene from Bhoot Police movie shot in Palampur — A scene from Bhoot Police movie shot in Palampur

The luxurious tea gardens and dense pine forests took us to a setting that added the spooky elements of the film. The Neugal Bridge and river, with their charm and somewhat extremely peaceful ambiance, contributed to the mysterious vibe of “Bhoot Police.” These locations not only added visual appeal to the film but also showed us the region’s capacity to evoke a sense
of wonder and intrigue.

Rockstar: A Memorable Scene at Dharamshala Airport

In addition to the iconic scene at the Norbulingka Institute, “Rockstar” also featured a memorable scene shot at the Dharamshala Airport. In this scene, the protagonist, Jordan (played excellently by Ranbir Kapoor), arrives in Kangra for a concert in McLeod Ganj. The airport is surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar range and provides a stunning visual introduction to the region.

A Memorable Scene from Rockstar Movie shot at Dharamshala Airport

The scene at Dharamshala Airport clearly told us about the excitement and anticipation of Jordan’s journey, with the dramatic mountain backdrop adding a sense of charm and adventure. This location, though showcased briefly, played a significant role in setting the tone for the subsequent events in the film, highlighting Kangra’s impact and significance as a destination for artists as well as travelers.

The Cinematic Charm of Kangra Valley

Kangra Valley’s diverse and picturesque settings have made it a sought-after location for filmmakers looking to add depth, element, and beauty to their narratives. Starting from the cultural richness of the Norbulingka Institute to the nonchalant beauty of Palampur’s tea gardens these locations have not only enhanced the visual appeal of these famous Bollywood films but also introduced audiences to the unique charm of Kangra Valley at the Himalayan foothills.

The best experience in Kangra Valley comes from its natural and architectural wonders, combined with its serene and mystical ambiance, such as the historic charm of St. John’s Church. Also, these locations that provide filmmakers with a versatile canvas for storytelling are the best mountain getaways in 2024.

Whether you are thinking about capturing the rebellious spirit of a rockstar, the bravery of a soldier, the journey of a sports champion, or the spooky adventures of ghost hunters, the best places to visit in Kangra Valley continue to inspire and captivate, both on and off the screen.

In A Nutshell

Bollywood’s love for Kangra Valley has not only enriched the films but also brought global attention to this magical region. Grab the best experience in Himachal Pradesh with an amazing mix of natural beauty and historic attractions that serve as a treasure box of settings that adorn the filmmaker’s storytelling.

As Bollywood continues to explore and showcase the unbelievable scenes of Kangra Valley, you can set off to explore this unexplored gem of Himachal with Himalayan Adrenaline’s guidance. On one hand, when the audiences are being treated to a visual celebration of the Kangra’s timeless charm, Himalayan Adrenaline’s reasonable packages will help you explore the best things to do in Kangra Valley.

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