Travelogue: Tracing the Filming Locations of ‘Veer Zaara’
Veer Zaara is a timeless Bollywood classic that tells the epic love story of an Indian Air Force officer, Veer Pratap Singh, and a Pakistani woman, Zaara Hayat Khan. The film, directed by Yash Chopra, was released in 2004 and was shot across various locations in India and Pakistan. Let’s explore the locations where ‘Veer Zaara’ was filmed.
1) Punjab, India
The majority of the film’s scenes were shot in Punjab, India, which served as the backdrop for the story’s rural setting. The film’s opening scene, featuring Shah Rukh Khan as Veer riding a motorbike, was shot in the picturesque countryside near the town of Mandi in Punjab. The famous mustard fields of Punjab were featured in several scenes, including the song sequence “Tere Liye,” which was shot in the town of Samrala.
2) Delhi, India
Several key scenes of the film were shot in the Indian capital city of Delhi. The historic Red Fort was used as a backdrop for a few of the film’s scenes, including the song “Aisa Des Hai Mera,” which shows Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta walking through the fort’s ramparts. The Delhi High Court was also used as a location for a crucial courtroom scene in the film.
3) Mumbai, India
The bustling city of Mumbai was the location for several key scenes of the film, including a scene where Preity Zinta’s character Zaara is seen visiting the Gateway of India. The song sequence “Do Pal” was also shot in Mumbai, showcasing the city’s famous Marine Drive and other iconic landmarks.
4) Lahore, Pakistan
Although the film was set in Pakistan, the majority of the scenes featuring Pakistan were shot in India. However, some scenes of the film were shot in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. The famous Lahore Fort was used as a location for several scenes, including the song sequence “Aaya Tere Dar Par,” which shows Shah Rukh Khan visiting the fort.
5) Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
The climax of the film was shot in the desert city of Bikaner, Rajasthan. The stunning sand dunes of Bikaner served as a beautiful backdrop for the final scenes of the film, which were shot in the historic Junagarh Fort.
In conclusion, the locations of ‘Veer Zaara’ played an integral part in bringing the epic love story of Veer and Zaara to life on the big screen. From the picturesque mustard fields of Punjab to the historic forts of Lahore and Rajasthan, the film’s locations captured the essence of the story’s cross-border romance. ‘Veer Zaara’ is not just a love story but also a tribute to the beauty and diversity of India and Pakistan.
Image credit: All images belongs to YRF, Yash Raj Films.
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