By IANS
Jaipur : Bollywood film producer and director K C Bokadia has shown interest in setting up of a film studio and an acting school in Ajmer.
Bokadia, who hails from Rajasthan, has directed and produced Hindi movies like “Police Aur Mujrim”, “Phool Bane Angaarey”, “Lal Baadshah” and “Aaj Ka Arjun” among others, met officials of Ajmer Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Wednesday to discuss the project.
“He has asked for 30 acres of land for the project. We are looking into it and would soon take a decision in this regard,” UIT officials told IANS Thursday. Ajmer is located some 140 km from the state capital.
The project is estimated to cost around Rs.1 billion ($25 million). It would have a studio, an acting school and a five-star hotel for film stars who would come here for shootings.
“I want to establish local talent in Bollywood by improving their acting skills,” Bokadia said.
He said that Ajmer offers good locations that are necessary for films.
Meanwhile, the state government is going ahead with its plan to set up a film city in Jaipur on over 600 acres in Jamdoli area of the city.
The project includes a five-star hotel, a three-star hotel and more than 30 studios within the campus.
The film city would include open sets, permanent sets, garden sets, a film training institute, a film museum, laboratories, a golf course, an amusement park, a water park, a cultural centre and many more attractions.
Rajasthan, with its rich history, architecture and picturesque locations, has always attracted filmmakers from all over the world.
The classic “Mughal-e-Azam” was shot in Deeg Palace in Bharatpur and in the famous Sheeshmahal of Amber Palace.
Scenes of sand dunes, drying chillies and village locations are common for films with s rural setting.
Even blockbuster television serial “Tipu Sultan” had Rajasthan for a backdrop.
Hollywood has not missed the exotic locations of Rajasthan either.
James Bond thriller “Octopussy” was shot in Udaipur. Other films like “Far Pavilions”, “Heat and Dust” and “Holy Smoke” among others were shot at different locations of the desert state.