1. Introduction to Bollywood in Mumbai
2. Overview of Film City in Mumbai
3. Options for Guided Tours
4. Film Cities in Other Locations
5. How to Be a Bollywood Extra
Mumbai is the center of India’s booming “Bollywood” film industry, producing over 100 films each year. Exploring the vibrant world of Bollywood through a tour is an extraordinary opportunity, especially at Film City, where the magic happens. If you aspire to be a Bollywood extra in a movie, that dream can also become a reality. Here’s how.
Overview of Film City in Mumbai
Film City was established by the Maharashtra state government in 1978 to bolster the Bollywood film industry. This sprawling complex spans nearly 350 acres, featuring almost 20 indoor studios along with numerous outdoor filming settings. Located in the western suburb of Goregaon, it is close to the serene Aarey Colony, adjacent to Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Accessing Film City is convenient via the Western Expressway. However, public admission is restricted without prior approval, making guided tours the primary way to experience this iconic location.
Options for Guided Tours
The official tour of Film City is a comprehensive two-hour guided bus experience, provided by Mumbai Film City Tours in collaboration with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. This tour navigates various notable locations within Film City. However, if you hope to witness a live shooting, your chances may be slim. While you’re permitted to see ongoing shoots from the bus, disembarking is not allowed, which can be a downside. Six tours occur daily, at the following times: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The ticket price is 599 rupees for Indian residents and $49 for international visitors.
Additionally, Mumbai Film City Tours offers a Live Show Tour, focusing on the live filming of a TV serial. This unique experience includes interactions with the actors on set, allowing for memorable photo opportunities. The Live Show Tour runs daily from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., costing 1,600 rupees for Indians and $49 for foreigners.
Furthermore, several private tour operators specialize in dedicated Bollywood tours tailored primarily for international guests. One notable option is Bollywood Tours, established in 2003. Their all-day Film City and Bollywood Tour involves a scenic drive past the homes of Bollywood stars and a visit to a shooting studio, including the aforementioned Film City bus tour. The company also arranges half and full-day Bollywood Tours featuring visits to shooting studios, dubbing studios, a Bollywood dance show, and home drives past stars’ residences. For an additional experience, tours can be combined with visits to the Dharavi slum or popular city sights.
No Footprints offers an entertaining half-day Mumbai Dream Tour, which includes a Bollywood dance workshop, a brief screening of a Bollywood film, a visit to a film studio to observe a live shoot, and a trip to a sound recording studio.
Film Cities in Other Locations
In addition to Film City in Mumbai, there are numerous film cities across India, including locations in Noida (near Delhi), Hyderabad, and Chennai. Noida Film City occupies over 25 acres and primarily focuses on producing TV serials and current affairs programs. Chennai Film City serves the Tamil movie industry and welcomes the public for a nominal fee, featuring an amusement park to entertain children. Moreover, Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City is a vast tourist attraction covering 2,500 acres, and proudly claims to be the world’s largest production complex, where special tours are conducted.
How to Be a Bollywood Extra
If your ambition is to star in a Bollywood movie rather than just observe from the sidelines, there’s good news. Foreigners are often sought after as extras in various Bollywood films. One effective way to get noticed is to hang out around Colaba Causeway in Mumbai, particularly near Leopold’s Cafe, where you’re likely to be approached. Should that not work out, and you are determined to become an extra, consider reaching out to casting agent Imran Giles at 98199-46742 (mobile) or via email at imran.giles@gmail.com.
Do keep in mind that such opportunities involve extensive waiting and long hours.
