India's smallest state, Goa, is known to the world as a popular tourist destination. It has a culture and lifestyle that is unique from the rest of the country. Its lush greenery and pristine beaches adding to the beauty of this tropical paradise.
But, believe it or not, Goa has also made its mark in the world of film, from Bollywood to Hollywood.
Over the years, filmmakers from, both, Bollywood and Hollywood have chosen Goa as the location for their film shoots. And, it has perfectly suited their many requirements. There have been times when Goa's culture and lifestyle has perfectly melded with the plot of the story.
Several Goans, and people of Goan origin, have lent their talents to the big screen, giving viewers a memorable cinematic experience.
Here's a glimpse of all the times you heard the word 'Goa' in films:
Hollywood films shot in Goa:
Many Hollywood films have been shot in Goa, including The Bourne Supremacy, The Seawolves, The Letters – the untold story of Mother Teresa, Bangkok Hilton, etc.
Oldest Bollywood movie shot in Goa:
Saat Hindustani, which is the heroic story of seven Indians who attempt to liberate Goa from the colonial clutches, is the oldest Bollywood movie, filmed in Goa.
The 1981 Bollywood film, Ek Duuje Ke Liye, features Kamal Haasan and Rati Agnihotri, and is the story of a Tamilian boy, falling in love with a North Indian woman, and both are neighbours in Goa. Goa's beaches, forts, waterfalls and other scenic locations have been beautifully cinematographed in the movie.
Movie showcasing Goa during the Portuguese rule:
Shyam Benegal's film Trikal features Goa during the twilight of Portuguese rule. The film is set in the Portuguese colony of Goa, shortly before the colony could be liberated. It features an Indo-Portuguese house and is themed around Goa during the Portuguese era.
Also, the oldest film Saat Hindustani shows Indians attempting to liberate Goa from the Portuguese.
Movie that has more than one scene shot in Goa:
Rohit Shetty's Golmaal was shot in Goa. It is an action comedy and was shot at various locations, such as Dona Paula Beach, Fort Aguada and GMC complex of Panjim.
Famous movie locations of Goa:
Immaculate Conception Church, Latin Quarter of Panjim, Old GMC, ferry point (in Panjim). Dona Paula, Old Goa, Palolem, Divar island and prominent spots for movie shoots.
Film actors and actress who have a Goa connection:
Ileana D'Cruz, Maria Goretti, Genelia D'Souza, Bhumi Pednekar, Ashalata Wabgaonkar, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Namrata Shirodkar, etc.
Famous Bollywood musicians, singers and artistes from Goa:
Remo Fernandes, Hema Sardessai, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Varsha Usgaonkar, Anthony Gonsalves, etc.
Places in Goa ‘renamed’ (in local parlance) after movies:
Dil Chata hai fort, Dear Zindagi road, Ek Duje ke liye spot Dona Paula, etc.