Thapa expressed excitement over Basu’s decision to shoot in Darjeeling, calling it a testament to the region’s renewed peace and stability. “This is a big step towards realizing our dream of making Darjeeling a prominent location for film shoots,” Thapa wrote on his official Facebook page. He highlighted that with political stability, the region is once again attracting filmmakers, boosting the local economy, and reviving tourism.
The decision to shoot in Darjeeling by Basu, known for his films such as Barfi! (2011) and Jagga Jasoos (2017), represents a return of Bollywood to the region, after years of political strife and agitations that significantly impacted tourism and film production. Darjeeling, which had been a regular feature in Bollywood, saw a steep decline in film shoots during the Gorkhaland movements and the 2017 closure of the region, which lasted 104 days.
Basu’s latest project, featuring Aaryan and Sheeleela, is expected to bring much-needed attention back to Darjeeling, especially after the political disturbances that had hindered the flow of Bollywood films. Notably, the region had been a sought-after location for iconic Bollywood movies, with over 200 films, including Aradhana (1969), Barsaat (1949), and Barfi! (2011), being shot here over the decades.
Darjeeling’s revival in the film industry follows similar efforts by Sikkim, which has faced its own challenges in the wake of natural calamities, particularly the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), which damaged infrastructure. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) met Basu in February, reinforcing the state’s desire to position itself as a prominent film destination, much like its neighbor Darjeeling.
Both Thapa and Golay have emphasized that the return of filmmakers to the region is a sign of recovery and an opportunity to reinvigorate tourism. In a recent statement, the Sikkim government expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its importance in promoting Sikkim as a premier film destination.
Darjeeling, historically a hub for cinematic shoots, witnessed a resurgence of film activity in 2016 with Basu’s Jagga Jasoos starring Ranbir Kapoor. The region also saw major shoots with Shah Rukh Khan and Rekha in the past, but it had been largely sidelined during times of political unrest. However, with things now stabilizing, there is a renewed optimism that the hills will once again be a popular backdrop for filmmakers.
The announcement of Basu’s new project represents a bright future for Darjeeling, where film shoots can bring much-needed visibility and economic benefits. As Thapa aptly noted, “With no strikes and a focus on growth, filmmakers and businesses are returning, which will help boost our local economy and tourism.”
As the region embarks on this new chapter, the people of Darjeeling hope that this initiative will pave the way for more film shoots in the future, contributing to the growth and development of the area.
