Ever watched a Bollywood film and marvelled at the stunning locations? One destination that gets regularly used for such cinematic creations is Mauritius and below are some reasons why!
Bollywood Films
Before delving into why Bollywood chooses Mauritius, it’s good to get an idea of some of the productions shot here which date back to 1977 with the filming of Chandi Sona. In 1998, the mega-blockbuster hit “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” not only thrust Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol into the spotlight but Mauritius too! Josh (2000), Kidnap (2008) Go Goa Gone (2013) and Phir Se (2015) have all used this destination as well.
Diverse Landscapes
One reason that the island has become popular with film producers is its diverse locations; the best places to visit in Mauritius include everything from sites with lush tropical greenery and mountain peaks to hidden coves and idyllic beaches such as Belle Mare home to properties like The Residence Mauritius. These stunning settings provide the perfect backdrops for both romance and adventure!
A Mini India
Mauritius is often referred to as a ‘Mini India’ and for good reason; the island has a huge Indian population and in fact, some of its markets and streets can be used to easily recreate those from India! It comes as no surprise that Bollywood is hugely popular here as well and additionally, certain Indian dialects are spoken here too.
Other Considerations
The weather factor is another reason that Bollywood film producers choose Mauritius, especially in the cooler months when temperatures are pleasant in contrast to the sweltering heat sometimes experienced in India. Also, the local government has been providing producers with several incentives to film here including offering as much as 30% of the budget for production.