- Wednesday, March 12, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Nestled in the pristine Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir stands as a picturesque marvel that captures the hearts of travelers and filmmakers alike. Known for its snow-clad mountains, rolling meadows, pine forests, and lush valleys, Gulmarg has emerged as one of India’s most iconic tourist destinations and a beloved shooting location for Bollywood movies.
The region’s untouched natural beauty and serene ambiance have made it a popular spot for capturing some of the most memorable cinematic moments in Bollywood history.
For decades, Gulmarg’s enchanting landscape has served as the perfect canvas for filmmakers to depict romance, adventure, and drama on the silver screen. Its changing landscapes throughout the year offer distinct visuals that range from blossoming meadows in summer to snow-covered wonderlands in winter, making it ideal for a variety of film themes and settings.
The snow-laden mountains during December to February transform Gulmarg into a winter wonderland, while the warm months from May to September fill the meadows with wildflowers, verdant grass, and clear blue skies, providing a contrasting yet equally mesmerizing backdrop for film shoots.
However, Gulmarg’s popularity is not solely limited to being a film shooting location; it is also a top-rated tourist destination that attracts visitors from across the globe. From skiing, snowboarding, and trekking to simply soaking in the untouched natural beauty, Gulmarg offers unparalleled experiences to tourists throughout the year.
The town’s proximity to Srinagar (approximately 50 kilometers) makes it easily accessible for tourists, while its rich cultural heritage, local cuisines, and unique experiences continue to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Over the years, Bollywood’s growing fascination with Gulmarg has not only amplified the region’s visibility in pop culture but has also significantly boosted tourism in the valley.
Travelers often find themselves drawn to the iconic filming locations, hoping to recreate their favorite Bollywood movie moments or simply experience the untouched beauty captured on screen.
The relationship between Bollywood and Gulmarg dates back to the golden era of Indian cinema. Its unparalleled beauty, snow-laden peaks, and enchanting landscapes have repeatedly lured filmmakers to capture the essence of nature in their films.
Several blockbuster Bollywood movies have been filmed in Gulmarg, transforming the location into a cinematic icon for movie enthusiasts and travelers. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable Bollywood films that were shot in Gulmarg:
1. Bobby (1973) – The Beginning of Gulmarg’s Stardom
One of the first major Bollywood movies that put Gulmarg on the map was Raj Kapoor’s ‘Bobby’ (1973), starring Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. The movie’s iconic romantic sequences, especially the famous song “Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho”, were filmed in Gulmarg’s scenic backdrop. The cottage featured in the film, now famously known as the Bobby Hut, has since become a popular tourist attraction where visitors can relive the nostalgic moments from the film. The overwhelming response to Bobby paved the way for more filmmakers to explore Gulmarg as a film shooting location.
2. Silsila (1981) – Romance in the Snowy Paradise
The romantic drama Silsila (1981), directed by Yash Chopra and starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Jaya Bachchan, beautifully captured Gulmarg’s ethereal charm during winter. The famous snow-clad landscape scene, where Amitabh and Rekha’s characters explore the icy terrains, was shot in Gulmarg’s Apharwat Peak and the surrounding meadows.
The movie’s success not only enhanced Gulmarg’s fame in the cinematic world but also increased tourism as couples sought to recreate those romantic movie moments in the valley.
3. Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) – Shah Rukh Khan’s Romantic Rendezvous
Another Yash Chopra classic, Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma, once again brought Gulmarg’s captivating beauty to the forefront. Several romantic sequences and scenic shots were filmed in Gulmarg’s lush green meadows and snowy landscapes, showcasing the pristine beauty of Kashmir. The film’s portrayal of Gulmarg added to the mystique and romanticism associated with the region, drawing even more travelers to experience the location firsthand.
4. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) – Capturing Adventure and Beauty
The blockbuster film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, perfectly captured the adventurous and thrilling side of Gulmarg. Although most of the film’s plot portrayed Manali as the primary destination, several sequences, including the skiing and snowboarding shots, were filmed in Gulmarg’s snow-clad peaks. The film’s portrayal of winter sports and mountain adventures further contributed to establishing Gulmarg as India’s ultimate winter adventure destination.
5. Haider (2014) – Showcasing Kashmir’s Reality
Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider (2014), an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, presented a grittier and more realistic portrayal of Kashmir, including scenes filmed in Gulmarg. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, and Shraddha Kapoor, the film captured Gulmarg’s rustic and raw beauty, using it as a symbolic backdrop for the movie’s intense storyline.
The film showcased the raw winter beauty of Gulmarg and further piqued travelers’ interest in experiencing the region’s reality beyond its cinematic glamour.
6. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) – The Heartwarming Story Shot in the Valleys
The blockbuster hit ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ (2015), directed by Kabir Khan and starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor, included some breathtaking scenes shot in Gulmarg’s lush green valleys. The famous sequence where Salman Khan crosses over to Pakistan through the mountainous region was filmed in Gulmarg’s surrounding areas, including Apharwat Peak and the Line of Control (LoC) region. The movie’s success brought Gulmarg’s beauty to the forefront, boosting domestic and international tourism.
7. Raazi (2018) – An Intense Story with Picturesque Backdrops
The critically acclaimed film ‘Raazi’ (2018), starring Alia Bhatt, was also partially filmed in Gulmarg’s pristine landscapes. The film captured the winter wonderland aspect of Gulmarg, showcasing snow-covered houses, valleys, and mountains. Although the film’s plot was centered around espionage and cross-border tension, the visual appeal of Gulmarg added a unique contrast to the storyline.
The consistent love affair between Bollywood and Gulmarg can be attributed to the region’s diverse and dynamic landscape. Whether filmmakers seek snowy backdrops, dense pine forests, lush green meadows, or rustic village settings, Gulmarg offers it all. Additionally, the easy accessibility from Srinagar Airport (just 50 km) and supportive local administration make it convenient for large-scale film productions.
Furthermore, Gulmarg’s role in Bollywood films has created a massive tourism surge. Fans often visit the exact locations where their favorite movie scenes were shot, such as:
Gulmarg’s journey from a serene Himalayan town to Bollywood’s favorite shooting destination has been nothing short of spectacular. With its ever-changing natural beauty, cinematic history, and adventurous appeal, Gulmarg has become a place where reel meets real.
For Bollywood enthusiasts, visiting Gulmarg is like stepping into the sets of their favorite movies, while for nature lovers, it remains an unparalleled paradise. Whether you are a movie buff, adventure seeker, or nature lover, Gulmarg promises an unforgettable experience, living up to both its cinematic grandeur and natural beauty.
