SPOTLIGHT100 SCENIC LOCALES IN MAHARASHTRA Dadasaheb Phalke
The Pioneer of Indian Cinema MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED – LAND OF CINEMATIC DREAMS
■ DEMOGRAPHY ■ HISTORY ■ CLIMATE ■ ECONOMY ■ TRANSPORT
Located in the western region The antiquity of human Maharashtra has a tropical Maharashtra’s economy is The State has a large, multi- of India, with a long coastline habitation in the State goes climate with hot and humid driven by international trade, modal transportation system along the Arabian Sea, back to the Stone Age, 1.27 summers and normal winters. manufacturing, mass media with the largest road network Maharashtra shares its borders million years ago. Over time, It also receives heavy rainfall (television, motion pictures, in India – national highways with six States – Karnataka, Maharashtra was helmed during the monsoons. music), aerospace, technology, comprise 4,176 km and state Telangana, Goa, Gujarat, by empires such as the fashion, apparel, tourism and highways 3,700 km. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh – Mauryas, the Satavahanas, Depending upon the season, petroleum. It is one of the most and the Union Territory of Dadra the Rashtrakutas, the Western dew, frost and hail also occur industrialised states in the The Mumbai suburban railway and Nagar Haveli. Chalukyas, the Yadavas, the sometimes in some regions of country and has maintained a system is the backbone of Mughals and the Marathas. the State. March, April and May leading position in the industrial Mumbai and millions travel It is the third largest State in area are the hottest months. sector of India. every day from one part of the in the country and divided into The Marathi-speaking State of city to another, making it the six administrative divisions – Maharashtra came into being on Mumbai, the capital of the State lifeline of one of the largest Amravati, Aurangabad, Konkan, May 1, 1960. and the financial capital of India, metropolises in the world. Nagpur, Nashik and Pune. houses the headquarters of major corporate and financial institutions and also India’s main stock exchange.
AREA DISTRICTS POPULATION LANGUAGES TEMPERATURE AIRPORTS RAILWAYS HIGHWAYS PORTS
3,07,713 sq km Districts 1,12,372,972 Marathi (Average) Domestic 6,000 km National Highways Major Ports (1,18,809 sq miles) 36 Hindi Airports Rail Network 18 2 (2011 Census) English High 40°C 4 Major locations Non Major Low 14°C 480 km Subdivisions well connected Ports International Konkan Railway 109 through a wide road Airports Stretch 48 3 network of 2,65,000 km MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED – FESTIVALS
Maharashtra is known for its opulent and larger-than-life festivals. Celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm, colourful customs, rituals and traditions, they reflect true Maharashtrian culture. Some unique and well-recognised festivals are:
Ganpati Festival/Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten- Maha Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu spiritual Agri Festivals such as Chickoo Festival (Dahanu), day revelry celebrating Lord Ganesh – a symbol of gathering held every 12th year, rotates between Strawberry Festival (Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, wisdom and good luck – is celebrated in almost Ujjain, Haridwar, Allahabad and Nashik, Maharashtra. Aurangabad and Pune), Alphonso Festival (Konkan every household and at the community level as well. The Nashik Kumbh Mela considered to be the most Region), Orange Festival (Amravati) are celebrated It begins with the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol sacred of all the festivals. to promote local agriculture. which is then worshipped daily along with family and friends, until it is taken for immersion to the Jejuri/ Khandoba, a six-day festival in which Other music/art festivals are Pune Festival, Kalidas nearest waterbody. Lord Khandoba is worshipped with turmeric, Festival, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, etc. commemorates the God's win over Margadhirsha. Janmashtami, the festival that celebrates the birth A jatra (temple festival and fair) is held in Pember Some unique festivals celebrated in Maharashtra of Lord Krishna, is popularly known as Dahi Handi or on Champa-Shasthi, continuing until the day of the include Velas Turtle Festival, Tadoba Eco-Tourism Gokulashtami. It is famous for creating some of the New Moon. Festival, Sarangkheda Chetak Festival, Aurangabad highest and most complex human pyramids in International Bird Festival, Lonar Crater Festival the world. Other festivals include Ashadhi Ekadashi and more. (Pandharpur Chi Vari), Pola, Marbat, etc. Gudi Padva, the Sanskrit name for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada which marks the end of one agricultural MUSIC/ART/AGRICULTURAL FESTIVALS harvest and the beginning of another, is celebrated in traditional Maharashtrian households by Banganga Festival, a two-day music carnival held prominently displaying a gudi – a stick covered in every year in the city of Mumbai, is a musical tribute a bright cloth adorned with brocade, sugar crystals, to Lord Rama. neem and mango leaves, a garland of red flowers and covered by a silver or copper pot in an inverted Elephanta and Ellora Festival, an annual position – symbolising the victory of good over evil. music and dance festival, is celebrated against the backdrop of ancient caves, rock carvings and Narali Poornima, also known as Shravani temples. Renowned artistes perform in this musical Pournima, Rakhi Pournima or Raksha Bandhan, revelry, offering a visual treat of heritage and marks the end of the monsoon season and the culture. beginning of the new fishing season. People offer coconuts to the sea as a symbol of respect and honour.
SPOTLIGHT 100 Scenic Locales in Maharashtra 11 MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED – A CAMERA-READY STATE
Maharashtra, the entertainment colossus of India, is a major contributor to the Indian film industry in terms of the number of films produced and released. Apart from being the biggest trade and commerce centre LOCATIONS GALORE in the country, Mumbai is also home to the Hindi film industry. Over 60 per cent of Indian motion pictures, television serials and commercials are produced in Mumbai itself.
The Lumiere Brothers were the first to introduce cinematography in India in 1896 by showcasing six short films at Watson Hotel, Mumbai. Since then Maharashtra has nurtured the entertainment industry and has contributed significantly by providing considerable talent, infrastructure and opportunity to the sector.
Historically, the State has been associated with film shoots. Various facets of the State have been showcased including the seaside, malls, roads, colleges, churches, stations, hill stations, airports, etc. The State offers a 5 unique blend of history, heritage, art/culture, pilgrimage, nature, cuisines, eco-tourism, safe night life and 35+ NATIONAL several unexplored zones. PARKS WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
15 + 720 KM HILL STATIONS COASTLINE 150 + 250 + 400+ 150 +
RECORDING PRE AND POST EQUIPMENT STUDIOS AND 20+ 70 + STUDIOS PRODUCTION SUPPLIERS SHOOTING SHRINES FACILITIES FLOORS BEACHES
350+ FORTS 30+ FAIRS AND FESTIVALS MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED – FILM INFRASTRUCTURE
Maharashtra is home to two State Government-owned film cities – Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City) in Goregaon, Mumbai and Kolhapur Film City, Kolhapur. It also has several renowned studios which transform themselves into various places/locations based on requirement and provide an attractive backdrop for many films. Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik and Satara are key centres of film making in Maharashtra. The renowned Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI) are in Pune.
■ Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City) ■ Kolhapur Film City ■ Mehboob Studio Established in 1977 by the State Government of Established in 1985 to promote regional cinema Established by notable film-maker Mehboob Maharashtra under the Companies Act, 1956 and and artists, Kolhapur film city is spread over an Khan in the year 1954 over an area of 18,000 sq. the able guidance of eminent film personalities area of around 78 acres. Its redevelopment is feet, Mehboob Studio has been the location for such as V Shantaram, B R Chopra and Dilip Kumar under process and includes Patil Wada, mall, movies such as Guide, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Mother to promote regional cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke studios, shooting floors, internal roads and so on. India and many more. Currently the studio Chitranagari was named so in 2001 to commemorate hosts cultural events such as the Mahindra Blues Festival. the contribution of Dadasaheb Phalke as the founder ■ Filmistan of Indian cinema. Managing one of the largest studio Founded in 1943, Filmistan is Mumbai’s most ■ Yashraj Studio complexes in India, the Film City holds a world record iconic and oldest film studio spread over five Established by veteran film-maker Yash Chopra for having maximum number of shootings in a single acres. It has seven shooting floors, a temple and in 2006, Yashraj Studio has been designed by day at various locations within its premises. a garden as outdoor locations. Several Hindi renowned studio designer Martin Pilchner. movies such as Shaheed, Zanjeer, Kalia, Black, With advanced amenities and state-of-the-art SPREAD OVER Om Shanti Om and Ra One besides TV shows AN AREA OF post-production infrastructure it has been the such as Indian Idol and Nach Baliye have been location for movies such as Jab Tak Hain Jaan, shot here. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Ek Tha Tiger, Ishaqzaade and TV shows such as Master Chef. 521ACRES ■ Kamalistan Kamal Amrohi Studio Established by prominent film-maker Kamal ■ Famous Studio Amrohi, the Kamalistan Kamal Amrohi Studio FULLY-EQUIPPED AC STUDIOS Famous Studio was established in 1946 and has been the location for renowned classics FOR INDOOR SHOOTING since then has been the backdrop of movies such as Pakeezah, Amar Akbar Anthony and such as Hum Saath Saath Hain, Kanyadaan, Mughal-e-Azam. The entire studio was booked Seeta Aur Geeta, Taj Mahal, etc. It has a preview for Dabangg-2, creating history in the Hindi theatre and nine shooting floors where movies 23 film industry. and TV shows are regularly captured. ■ RK Studio ■ ND Studio OUTDOOR LOCATIONS SUCH AS LAKES, Established by the maestro of the Hindi film ND Studio, co-owned by Nitin Chandrakant FOUNTAINS, MOUNTAINS, GARDENS, TEMPLES, industry, Raj Kapoor, in 1950, R K Studio has Desai and Reliance Entertainment, was HELIPAD, VILLAGES, STRETCHES OF ROADS AND served as the backdrop of evergreen movies established in 2005. Spread over 52 acres OPEN GROUNDS such as Mera Naam Joker, Jis Desh Mein Ganga it offers indoor as well as outdoor shooting options. 75 + Behti Hain, Shri 420, Bobby and more.
SPOTLIGHT 100 Scenic Locales in Maharashtra 13 Infrastructure
Maharashtra is in the forefront of providing all resources and infrastructure required in the life cycle of film-making. More than half the movies made in India are Post-Production produced in the State.
From editing to sound mixing to use of VFX, film production today requires state-of-the-art technology and technical know-how which Maharashtra,
– READY TO SHOOT with its film, animation and sound recording studios provides all in one place.
Pre-Production
Being the hub of the Hindi film industry, Maharashtra provides all kinds of resources and technical know-how for producing any form of media – films, documentaries or advertisements. Film-making is a part
MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED of the culture here and finding the right people and technology is quite effortless. Locations
Studios The State spoils you in terms of both indoor and outdoor locations. When it Maharashtra has the highest number comes to outdoor locations, Maharashtra of film studios, most of them located has almost all options – from the in Mumbai, the hub of the Hindi film Western Ghats, to beaches, waterfalls, industry. These studios provide forts, palaces, museums, railway stations, readymade sets, locations and outdoor and more. One has to just pick shooting venues in one place, according to requirement. thereby eliminating extra costs involved in shooting in actual locations.
Talent
Maharashtra is a treasure trove of talent. The finest of scriptwriters, cinematographers, actors, dancers, extras, spot-boys from all over the country form a talent pool that contributes to the process of creating masterpieces on screen.
SPOTLIGHT 100 Scenic Locales in Maharashtra 15