‘Rajasthan’s Locations Make You Want to Make Films’: Anil Sharma
‘Arjun Naga’ to be shot in Jaipur and Jaisalmer for around 40 days; Film Tourism Policy aims to take Rajasthan to the global screen
Jaipur: Rajasthan’s stunning and diverse locations are no longer merely serving as backdrops for films; they are increasingly becoming an important medium for promoting the state as a tourism destination. In this context, filmmaker and producer Anil Sharma’s upcoming film ‘Arjun Naga’ will be shot in Rajasthan for around 40 days, with Jaipur and Jaisalmer serving as the major shooting locations.
According to Rajasthan Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riyad, the shooting of ‘Arjun Naga’ is not merely a film project for the state but also a significant opportunity to showcase Rajasthan’s rich heritage, culture and natural diversity to a wider audience. The film is expected to give the state’s tourism destinations greater visibility both nationally and internationally.
‘I Have a Long-Standing Connection with Rajasthan’
During a special interaction at Rajasthan Tourism Bhawan, Anil Sharma spoke about his longstanding association with the state and praised its locations. He said, “I have an affection for Rajasthan. It is a wonderful place to live and settle down, and it is equally suitable for filmmaking. The locations here are such that when you see them, you feel like bringing them alive on the big screen.”
He said Utkarsh Sharma, Gulshan Grover, Arjun Rampal and Nidhhi Agerwal are among the leading actors in ‘Arjun Naga’.
Anil Sharma’s cinematic association with Rajasthan goes back several years. His films ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo’, ‘Veer’ and ‘Ailan-E-Jung’ have had shooting connections with the state. Jaisalmer featured in ‘Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo’, while the historic Amer area of Jaipur was showcased in ‘Veer’. The selection of Rajasthan for ‘Arjun Naga’ therefore further strengthens his long-standing association with the state.
Administrative Support Equally Important for Filmmakers
Anil Sharma said that the facilities available to filmmakers in a state are not limited to attractive locations. Support from the local administration and tourism department during the shooting process is equally important.
He said the Rajasthan Tourism Department has consistently extended support to his projects, making the experience of shooting in the state smoother and more convenient.
According to Sharma, Rajasthan’s extraordinary diversity of locations makes it particularly attractive to filmmakers. Jaipur’s royal architecture and heritage buildings, Jaisalmer’s Golden Fort and the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, the forts of Jodhpur, the lakes and palaces of Udaipur, the religious and cultural ambience of Pushkar, and the havelis of Shekhawati offer a wide range of cinematic backdrops within a single state.
This diversity has made Rajasthan a popular destination not only for historical films but also for romance, action, social dramas and international productions.
Government Promoting Film Tourism
Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riyad said the state government has linked the potential of filmmaking with tourism through the Film Tourism Promotion Policy-2025. The policy aims to make Rajasthan a filmmaker-friendly shooting destination and expand the reach of the state’s tourism attractions across India and overseas through films.
A single-window system has also been introduced to simplify various permissions required for film shoots. The initiative is aimed at making the entire process of obtaining approvals and conducting shoots easier and more efficient for filmmakers.
According to Commissioner Riyad, Rajasthan’s objective is no longer limited to providing locations for films. The state aims to make film production and tourism mutually reinforcing sectors.
The idea is that filmmakers shooting in Rajasthan incorporate its heritage, culture and natural beauty into their stories, while the locations showcased on screen subsequently inspire audiences to visit the state.
BOX: Rajasthan Has Long Been a Favourite of Cinema
Rajasthan has been a preferred shooting destination for Bollywood and Indian cinema for decades. Films such as ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Umrao Jaan’, ‘Delhi-6’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, ‘Veer’, ‘Gulaal’ and ‘Nanhe Jaisalmer’ have been shot in the state.
These films have brought Rajasthan’s forts, palaces, cities and rural landscapes to audiences across the country, giving the state’s iconic locations wider recognition.
BOX: From Hollywood to International Cinema
Rajasthan’s locations have also attracted international filmmakers. Productions such as ‘Octopussy’, ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, ‘The Darjeeling Limited’, ‘The Fall’, ‘Holy Smoke!’, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, ‘Viceroy’s House’, ‘Marigold’ and ‘One Night with the King’ have featured locations from the state.
Through cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Rajasthan’s distinctive visual identity has reached international audiences. With the Film Tourism Promotion Policy, the state government is now seeking to convert this global cinematic visibility into greater tourism opportunities.