Movies shot in Darjeeling
June 15, 2025
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Famous Movies Shot in Darjeeling: A Cinematic Journey Through Bollywood’s Iconic Locations
Darjeeling, with its stunning Kanchenjunga peaks, lush tea plantations, and charming colonial architecture, has been a favorite backdrop for Bollywood filmmakers over the decades. The town’s picturesque landscapes and historical ambiance make it the perfect setting for a variety of genres, from romantic tales to adventure dramas. Over the years, these films have immortalized Darjeeling’s beauty, drawing moviegoers and tourists alike.
Here’s a curated list of 18 remarkable movies shot in Darjeeling, sequenced chronologically, showcasing how the town has played a central role in cinematic history.
1. Barsaat (1949) – Raj Kapoor and Nargis in Darjeeling
In the early years of Bollywood, Barsaat was one of the first films to introduce Darjeeling to Indian cinema. Starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis, the film’s iconic song “Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua” was shot amid the town’s scenic tea gardens and misty hills, helping establish Darjeeling as a symbol of romance.
2. Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai (1961) – Dev Anand’s Darjeeling Romance
In Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Dev Anand and Asha Parekh filmed one of their most romantic sequences in Darjeeling, further solidifying the hill station’s role as a romantic destination in Bollywood.
3. Kanchenjungha (1962) – Satyajit Ray’s Tribute to Darjeeling
The legendary director Satyajit Ray presented Darjeeling’s iconic tea estates and misty landscapes in his film Kanchenjungha. This color film was one of the first to beautifully capture the town’s surroundings, contributing to its cinematic fame.
4. Professor (1962) – Shammi Kapoor in Darjeeling
Professor, starring Shammi Kapoor and Kalpana, featured the famous song “Main Chali Main Chali” shot at the Darjeeling Mall and Batasia Loop, both locations being quintessential representations of Darjeeling’s colonial heritage
5. Aye Din Bahaar Ke (1966) – Dharmendra and Asha Parekh’s Darjeeling Tea Gardens
The lush tea gardens of Darjeeling were showcased in Aye Din Bahaar Ke through the performances of Dharmendra and Asha Parekh. This was one of the first Bollywood films to highlight the serene beauty of Darjeeling’s countryside.
6. Hamraaz (1967) – Neele Gagan Ke Tale Song
In Hamraaz, Sunil Dutt and Mumtaz starred in a film with the romantic hit “Neele Gagan Ke Tale”, which was filmed in Darjeeling. The misty hills and lush green backdrop of the town became a central visual theme in this iconic scene.
7. Jhuk Gaya Asmaan (1968) – Rajendra Kumar and Saira Bano’s Romantic Sequences
Directed by Lekh Tandon, Jhuk Gaya Asmaan was extensively shot in Darjeeling, featuring Rajendra Kumar and Saira Bano in some unforgettable romantic moments. The song “Kon Hai Jo Sapno Mein Aaya” was filmed in Darjeeling’s picturesque surroundings, further elevating the town’s cinematic appeal.
8. Aradhana (1969) – Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore’s Iconic Toy Train Sequence
Arguably one of the most iconic Bollywood films, Aradhana immortalized Darjeeling’s Toy Train in the unforgettable song “Mere Sapno Ki Rani”, where Rajesh Khanna followed Sharmila Tagore in a car while she traveled on the toy train, showcasing the town’s romantic ambiance.
9. Barsaat Ki Ek Raat (1982) – Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee in Darjeeling
In Barsaat Ki Ek Raat, Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee filmed key romantic scenes amidst Darjeeling’s misty hills and tea estates, reinforcing the town’s allure as a cinematic destination.
10. Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992) – Shah Rukh Khan’s First Darjeeling Film
Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla filmed Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman in Darjeeling, marking the town’s re-entry into Bollywood after a hiatus. The song “Dil Hai Mera Deewana” was filmed on the scenic roads of Darjeeling, bringing the town back to Bollywood’s limelight.
11. Main Hoon Na (2004) – Shah Rukh Khan’s Darjeeling Comeback
In Main Hoon Na, Shah Rukh Khan filmed scenes at St. Paul’s School and Darjeeling Railway Station. The song “Chale Jaise Hawayein” was shot at the sprawling St. Paul’s School campus, becoming one of the film’s standout moments.
12. Parineeta (2005) – Saif Ali Khan’s Darjeeling Toy Train Journey
In Parineeta, Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan embarked on a romantic journey aboard the Darjeeling Toy Train. The picturesque landscapes and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway were essential to the film’s nostalgic atmosphere.
13. Via Darjeeling (2008) – The Lesser-Known Gem
Though not widely recognized, Via Darjeeling beautifully captures the town’s true essence, showcasing its tea gardens, colonial charm, and misty landscapes.
14. Barfi! (2012) – Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra’s Darjeeling Adventure
In Barfi!, Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Ileana D’Cruz explored Keventer’s, Chowrasta, Birch Hill Road, and Happy Valley Tea Garden. The film’s whimsical narrative was made more magical by Darjeeling’s colonial charm and its misty beauty.
15. Kahaani 2 (2016) – Kalimpong’s Cinematic Beauty
Although filmed mostly in Kalimpong, which is near Darjeeling, the film beautifully captured the town’s foggy streets and mystical atmosphere, contributing to the movie’s dark and mysterious tone.
16. Jagga Jasoos (2016) – St. Paul’s School in Darjeeling
In Jagga Jasoos, St. Paul’s School in Darjeeling featured in the soulful song “Phir Wahi”, making the town’s iconic landmark a part of the film’s memorable moments.
17. Yaariyan (2014) – College Romance and Darjeeling’s Tea Gardens
Yaariyan filmed in Darjeeling, showcasing St. Joseph’s School, Batasia Loop, Tiger Hill, and Darjeeling Mall. The tea gardens and misty landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s themes of friendship, love, and college life.
18. The Way Back (2010) – Darjeeling as a Symbol of Freedom
The final part of The Way Back was filmed in Darjeeling, symbolizing the protagonist’s journey toward freedom. The scenic beauty of the town played an important role in this emotional and powerful scene. A sequence was shot at St. Paul’s School.
Conclusion: The Cinematic Magic of Darjeeling
Darjeeling has long been a beloved filming destination for Bollywood, with its majestic views, tea gardens, and colonial charm providing the perfect backdrop for countless iconic moments. From the toy train rides in Aradhana to Ranbir Kapoor’s whimsical moments in Barfi!, Darjeeling’s beauty has been immortalized on screen in a variety of Bollywood films.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast or someone who appreciates the beauty of Darjeeling, exploring these iconic movie locations will give you a deeper connection to this magical hill station.
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