Films often feature college campuses as a setting, either as the primary location or as a backdrop for a love story. In the past, these scenes were filmed at movie studios, but gradually Bollywood filmmakers began partnering with various educational institutions in India to use their campuses as filming locations.
Bollywood movies have always been an integral part of Indian culture. They entertain us and give us a glimpse of the lifestyle, traditions, and cultural diversity of different parts of the country. One of the most popular settings for Bollywood movies is college campuses. From romantic dramas to comedies, many Bollywood movies have featured iconic college campuses as their backdrop.
For a considerable period, the Indian film industry has been creating movies that focus on the experiences and challenges faced by teenagers. These movies have been popular among young people because they can relate to the characters and their struggles. What's unique about this concept now is that instead of constructing artificial sets, directors are shooting scenes depicting student life at some of India's most famous college campuses. This approach aims to make the films more realistic and appealing to the audience.
What began as an experimental technique has become a growing trend in Bollywood, with stunning college campuses serving as the perfect backdrop for movies aimed at young audiences.
This article will explore the top 10 colleges that have starred in Bollywood movies.
Top 10 colleges that have starred in Bollywood movies
IIM Bangalore
The film "3 Idiots" based on Chetan Bhagat's novel "Five Point Someone" has become a cult classic for portraying actual friendship goals. The movie was primarily shot on the scenic campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, which lent an authentic backdrop to the story. The viewers witness the stunning campus as the three friends (played by Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, and R Madhavan) navigate the rigours of engineering studies at Imperial College of Engineering.
The movie showcases various parts of the campus, including the lobby, foyer, and hostel rooms, making it a visual treat for the audience. The movie's success at the box office was unprecedented, and it continues to charm audiences with its humour, heart, and inspiring message.
St. Xavier College Mumbai
The iconic St. Xavier's College in Mumbai was a perfect backdrop for the famous song "Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi" from the movie "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na". Unsurprisingly, the college's impressive campus has been featured in numerous advertisements over the years.
The movie starred Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza in lead roles and was a massive hit among young audiences. The initial scenes and the opening song were beautifully shot at St. Xavier's College, adding to the film's charm and authenticity.
"Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" centred around a group of college students and their quest to find true love. The movie portrayed the struggles and dilemmas faced by young adults as they navigated their way through relationships and life in general.
Overall, St. Xavier's College and its stunning campus significantly added to the movie's appeal and popularity.
Forest Research Institute Dehradun
The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun was the filming location for the famous Bollywood movie Student of the Year. Despite the belief of many viewers that the college shown in the film was an elite European institution, it was the FRI campus. The debut performances of Alia Bhat, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra were shot against the backdrop of the stunning institute. The movie had a large budget, and the campus was transformed to resemble a prestigious school, giving the impression of a top-tier academic institution.
The makers of Student of the Year made an excellent choice by selecting FRI as the filming location. The campus's grandeur and beauty added to the movie's overall charm and created a lasting impression on the audience. The film depicted the institute as a high-end school with luxurious classrooms, sports facilities, and dormitories. This portrayal added to the institute's already impressive reputation and put it on the map as a symbol of grandeur and sophistication.
FRI continues to be a leading centre of academic excellence and research in forestry and related subjects. The institute's rich history was established in the early 20th century by the British colonial government. Over the years, it has produced some of the finest forestry professionals and researchers in the country and has contributed significantly to the development of the field.
IIM Ahmedabad
The beauty of IIM Ahmedabad's infrastructure is undeniable and widely acknowledged. It's safe to say that the campus's picturesque surroundings played a significant role in making Ananya and Krish's love story appear even more captivating to viewers in the 2 States movie. The campus's aesthetically pleasing environment provides a perfect setting for students to thrive academically and personally. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere that allows students to focus on their studies and also provides ample opportunities to socialize and create meaningful relationships.
The campus's design and architecture are modern and functional, providing state-of-the-art facilities catering to students' every need. Overall, IIM Ahmedabad's campus is a testament to the institute's commitment to providing a holistic learning experience for its students.
Symbiosis University
The film Bodyguard, featuring famous Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor, offers viewers a glimpse into the campus life of Symbiosis International University's Lavale campus. There's something particularly appealing about movies that depict university life, and this film delivers just that.
The Lavale campus of Symbiosis International University is known for its stunning views and picturesque surroundings, and the film does a great job of showcasing these. As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to scenes of students studying, participating in extracurricular activities, and enjoying the natural beauty of the campus.
What's particularly interesting about the portrayal of Symbiosis International University in the film is that it's not just a backdrop - the campus plays a vital role in the story. As the bodyguard character, played by Salman Khan, protects Kareena Kapoor's character, who is a student at the university, the audience gets to see more and more of the campus and the various activities there.
Grant Medical College
The famous Bollywood film "Munna Bhai MBBS" features scenes on a college campus (Grant Medical College). The protagonist, played by Sanjay Dutt, obtains a fake medical degree to fulfil his father's wishes. The fictional college portrayed in the film is said to have been inspired by real-life medical colleges in Mumbai.
The college is said to be inspired by real-life medical colleges in Mumbai and is the setting for various comedic and dramatic scenes in the film. Along with his childhood friend "Chinki", played by Jimmy Shergill, Munna Bhai uses unconventional methods to teach medical concepts to his fellow students and even leads them in a "magical hug" to relieve stress. The college is integral to the film's storyline and provides an energetic and vibrant setting for the characters' adventures.
St Stephen’s College New Delhi
Imtiaz Ali, the director of "Rockstar," chose to shoot the film at St Stephen's College, a prestigious institution of Delhi University. The film depicts the well-known rivalry between St Stephen's College and Hindu College, which are located opposite each other and are divided by a single road. Notably, Imtiaz Ali is an alumnus of Hindu College and was instrumental in establishing its dramatics society, Ibtida.
The selection of St Stephen's College as a filming location for "Rockstar" was a deliberate decision by Imtiaz Ali, who wanted to showcase the college's stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. The film's storyline revolves around a college student who becomes a rockstar, and the college's location provides an ideal setting for the film's plot. Moreover, Imtiaz Ali's connection with Hindu College and involvement in its dramatic society added an extra layer of authenticity to the movie.
The rivalry between St Stephen's College and Hindu College has been a topic of interest for many years. The two colleges have a history of healthy competition and friendly rivalry, which has been depicted in several movies and books. The proximity of the two colleges and their similar academic standing have fueled the rivalry, making it a significant aspect of college life at Delhi University.
St. Pauls School
In the Bollywood movie "Main Hoon Na," viewers may recall the iconic scenes where Shah Rukh Khan's character proposes to Sushmita Sen's character in a sprawling campus or the epic fight sequence on the edge of a college building. Some fans may not know that these scenes' location is actually a real educational institution. The school's name is St. Paul's School, and it is located in Darjeeling.
St. Paul's School has been a renowned institution providing quality education to students for over a century. Founded in 1823, it has a rich history and is considered one of the best boarding schools in India. The school campus is vast and boasts beautiful architecture, lush greenery, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Apart from being a popular filming location, St. Paul's School has produced many distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields, including politics, literature, and sports. The school has a diverse student population and a strong focus on academic excellence, character-building, and extracurricular activities.
Miranda House, Delhi University
Fukrey, a Bollywood movie that hit the screens in 2013, tells the story of four young men from Delhi who are aimless and lack direction. The movie features actors Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Ali Fazal, and Manjot Singh in the lead roles. While the story is set in a co-educational Delhi University college, the film was shot at Miranda House, a prestigious women's college affiliated with Delhi University.
Miranda House, established in 1948, is one of India's oldest and most respected women's colleges. It has a reputation for academic excellence has produced many accomplished alumni who have excelled in various fields. The college has a beautiful campus and state-of-the-art facilities that provide a conducive learning and personal development environment.
In Fukrey, the four protagonists are portrayed as slacker boys who are uninterested in studying and spend most of their time goofing around. However, things turn when they stumble upon a business opportunity and try to make quick money. The movie follows their journey as they navigate various challenges and ultimately learn the importance of hard work, dedication, and responsibility.
HR College for Commerce and Economics
HR College for Commerce and Economics in Mumbai, which has a lengthy name, was the setting for the famous movie "Wake Up! Sid!" that starred renowned actors Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. The film's success among the youth audience was widespread, becoming a massive hit at the box office. Despite the humorous reference to the college's name, it is a highly esteemed institution that provides quality education in commerce and economics.
The film "Wake Up! Sid!" was shot on location at HR College, showcasing the college's picturesque campus and facilities. The movie's plot revolves around the journey of the protagonist, Sid, a carefree and aimless young man who discovers his passion for writing and journalism after meeting an older, more mature woman, Aisha. The film was a coming-of-age story that resonated with the youth of India, and it received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of young adulthood.
HR College for Commerce and Economics has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and it has produced many successful alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields. The college's faculty members are highly qualified and experienced, and they provide students with personalized attention and support to help them achieve their academic and career goals.
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