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Casting Campuses: 8 Prestigious Indian Institutions Doubling as Bollywood Movie Settings

In the fascinating world of film, Bollywood has, time and again, swept us off our feet with its storytelling wizardry. The surreal song sequences, high octane energy, histrionic performances, and cinematic backdrops contribute largely to Bollywood’s inexplicable charm.

Interestingly, many of these ‘cinematic backdrops’ have been various prestigious institutions across India. Many top Indian colleges have served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable movies. Let’s dive into a discussion of these colleges that doubled as setting venues for Bollywood movies.

The Dual Roles Played by Indian Colleges

For avid Bollywood fans, Indian colleges serving dual roles as educational institutions and shooting locations is a delightful surprise. It is thrilling to see familiar classrooms, lawns, and college halls featured in a much-loved Bollywood film.

Colleges as Character Defining Spaces

Often, the college reinforces the character’s identity or sets the tone for their coming-of-age story. Further, these movies invariably become a part of the institution’s history, adding an interesting cinematic chapter to their archives.

A Round-Up of Some Iconic Colleges and Their Big-Screen Moments

There are several Indian colleges that have etched their presence in film history. Let’s dive into a roundup of eight such institutions.

  • St.Xavier’s College, Mumbai: Known for its Gothic-style architecture, this institution was showcased in the movie ‘Josh,’ picturing Shah Rukh Khan as a righteous gang leader navigating the college hallways.
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi: The iconic film ‘Rang De Basanti’ featuring Aamir Khan, beautifully captures this campus and its vibrant student life.
  • Symbiosis International, Pune: This college served as a cinematic backdrop for several scenes in the movie ‘2 States’, illustrating the cross-cultural romance between its protagonists.
  • Indian School of Business, Hyderabad: This was the setting for ‘Student of the Year’, showcasing a glamorous, albeit fictional, representation of college life.
  • St.Stephen’s College, Delhi: The super hit movie ‘Rockstar’ had Ranbir Kapoor playing music in the historic lawns of this college.
  • Hindustan College of Engineering, Chennai: The famous Rajnikanth starrer ‘Sivaji: The Boss’ shot several of its scenes here.
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore: This campus added an academic charm to the romantic saga ‘3 Idiots’.
  • National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur: The movie ‘Mission Mangal’ depicted this institute as the alma mater of its scientist heroes.

The magic of Bollywood brings these colleges to life, crafting narratives that resonate with audiences nationwide. These rich stories have not only engaged viewers but also painted an exquisite portrait of India’s educational landscape. The next time you come across a college featured in a Bollywood movie, take a moment to appreciate the institution’s real-world narrative that forms the foundation of the cinematic golden moments you cherish.

Conclusion

Indian colleges serve as much more than movie backgrounds; they stand as characters themselves, contributing significantly to the narrative. Indeed, the convergence of academia and cinema creates some of Bollywood’s most dramatic and memorable moments. Next time you watch a Bollywood movie, pay close attention to the college it is shot at – it could be one steeped in rich history and academic excellence!