Bollywood: Made in the Midlands

Lutterworth's Stanford Hall was transformed into a Bollywood set last year Credit: Stanford Hall

Bollywood films have always been rich in colour and rich in detail. It begins with the backdrop to the films' song and dance routines and citing them at some of our famous landmarks has been good for the economy and the profile of the Midlands.

In 2012, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, starring legendary actor Dharmendra and his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, was filmed at locations across the region.

One of the film's extravagant song and dance numbers was shot on the grounds of Stanford Hall in Lutterworth. The stately home was built in the 1690s but in all its history, 2012 was the first time it had been transformed into a Bollywood film set.

Nick Fothergill, current owner of the Hall, says it was like a 'massive invasion' but a privilege to experience.

Many scenes for the film were also shot in Birmingham. The canal, Centenary Square and Brindleyplace all featured, while the NEC was transformed into an airport terminal for the film.

The NEC's atrium was transformed into an airport terminal for Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 Credit: Matt Betteridge

One of the most prominent locations used in the city was Gatecrasher. The cast took over the nightclub as they performed the title track for the film. An action sequence was also filmed inside.

Scenes were also shot at the University of Leicester and the city's New Walk Museum.

The National Space Centre in Leicester was also used in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 Credit: PA

A number of other films have also been filmed in parts of the Midlands, including:

  • Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon (2001), starring John Abraham. Scenes were filmed on the University of Leicester campus.

John Abraham on the set of Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon on the University of Leicester campus Credit: ITV News Central

  • Kyun, Ho Gaya Na... (2004), starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi, were filmed at a secret location in the East Midlands.

  • Teri Meri Kahaani (2010), starring Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, was filmed on the University of Nottingham campus.

(Pictures courtesy of the University of Nottingham).

  • Patiala House (2011), starring Akshay Kumar and Anushka Sharma, was filmed at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

  • Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. Part of a song was filmed at a vineyard in Herefordshire.