Hooray for Bollywood! More than just a capital, Delhi is a stage filled with lots of stories. And actualy it´s a cinematic character itself, its old buildings, historical forts as well as colourful markets all imparting the feel of film sets. And so no wonder India´s and international films and TV shows have been bringing the streets and structures of this city to the screen for many years. Here are eight of the most notable:
Agrasen Ki Baoli
Its current form dating back to 1506, this amazing Old Delhi structure is a stepwell, a cistern with a long corridor of steps descending to water level - an ingenious architectural solution to water scarcity in arid regions. And it´s been seen a lot on screen due thanks to its mysterious stairs and air of mystery. For example, in the 2006 musical romantic drama Kabhi Alvida na Kehna, the 2017 romantic comedy Shubh Mangal Savdhan, the 2014 blockbuster science fiction comedy drama PK (depicted as star Aamir Khan´s hideout), the 2017 vigilante thriller Mom, and the 2016 sports drama Sultan. It also appeared in The Amazing Race Australia 2 in 2012. Open 7 am to 6 pm, with no entry fee.
Chandni Chowk
Built in 1650, this street-market square is the real Delhi, full of crowded lanes lined with market stalls and redolent with the aroma of spices. Movies like the 2009 drama Delhi 6, the 2013 comedy thriller Fukrey, and the 2009 action comedy Chandni Chowk to China put the soul of this vibrant heart of the city on ample display. Open 9:30 am to 8 pm and free to access.
Connaught Place
Delhi's iconic commercial centre is distinguished by its elegant radial plan of concentric circles and spoke-like avenues, lined with landmark white colonnaded heritage buildings dating from the 1930s. More recently, restoration projects, upgraded public spaces, and modern offices, shops, restaurants, and Metro infrastructure have revitalized the district while preserving its historical character. And it´s provided a backdrop for films such as the 2009 comedy-drama 3 Idiots, the epic 2011 musical drama Rockstar, and the 2018 comedy-drama Sui Dhaaga. CP is open around the clock, but most shops and restaurants usually 10 am to 8 pm.
(TBP pic India New Delhi film locations Connaught Place flickr Vladislav Bezukov)
Hauz Khas Complex and Village
This South Delhi complex, centred on a royal reservoir built by Sultan Alauddin Khalji in the early 14th century and later embellished with an Islamic madrassa, mosque, tomb, and pavilions, is one of New Delhi's finest medieval monuments, open for visitors to explore. The community which grew up around it, Hauz Khas Village, blends historic charm with contemporary culture through its designer boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and rooftop bars overlooking the lake and ancient ruins. The musical number “Agar Tum Saath Ho” from the 2015 romantic drama Tamasha and scenes from Rockstar were shot here. The complex is open 10:30 am to 7 p, and there´s no entry fee.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
Located in the residential Nizamuddin West residential neighbourhood south of India Gate, this shrine to the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya is a popular Sufi Muslim pilgrimage site and is home to a number of tombs and temples. The musical number “Kun Faya Kun” from Rockstar and scenes from the 2015 comedy-drama Bajrangi Bhaijaan were shot here. Open 5 am to 10:30 pm, with Sufi qawwali devotional singing taking place after 7 pm on Thursdays; one qawwali is also featured in Delhi 6). No entry fee.
Humayun’s Tomb
A unique example of Mughal architecture, featuring lush gardens, the elaborate, UNESCO World Heritage tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun was built in the late 1550s. It was the backdrop for the musical number "Bol Na Halke Halke" from the 2007 musical romantic comedy Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, and scenes from the 2016 musical romantic drama Fitoor, the 2107 fantasy romantic comedy Phillauri, and the 2023 legal drama Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023) were also shot here. It´s open 6 am to 6 pm, and entry fees for Indians are 35 rupees and for foreigners 550 rupees (under 15 free).
India Gate
This impressive, 42-metre sandstone arch, built in 1921 to commemorate more than 13,000 British and Indian casualties of the 1919 Afghan War, attracts many Indians all year around, who partake of the many street food stalls here, boat on nearby ponds, and even use it as a picnic spot. And it´s been brought to the screen by movies like Sultan, the 2006 drama Rang De Basanti, the 2016 romantic comedy Ki & Ka, and the 2023 romantic drama Bawaal (2023). It´s open 24 hours, and is free to visit.
Qutb Minar
Built between 1199 and about 1220 during the early Delhi Sultanate, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Delhi is a 72.5m (238-foot) minaret and victory monument commemorating the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India following the defeat of the region's Rajput Hindu kingdoms. Visitors can´t climb the tower but can explore the rest of the qutb complex, which include´s a madrasa, Delhi´s oldest surviving mosque, various tombs, and the famous 4th-century Iron Pillar. The famous “Chand Sifarish” from Fanaa and scenes from the 2012 spy thriller Jannat 2 were shot here. It´s 7 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee for Indians is 35 rupees and for foreigners 550 rupees (free for under 15 years).
Every great movie deserves the right setting—and every Bollywood tour deserves the right vehicle. A chauffeur-driven Tempo Traveller lets your whole group relax together as Delhi's iconic film locations roll past like scenes from the silver screen.
Adapted from our blog post here.
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