S.J. Studios
Some of Bollywood’s most famous productions have come out Mumbai’s S.J. Studios, one of the city’s premiere filming locations. Bollywood films are shot here 365 days a year, and with eight full-sized sets open to guests, chances are high that visitors will spot a Bollywood star or catch a glimpse of a filming taking place.
The basics
Tours of S.J. Studios take you behind the scenes, showcasing sets designed to look like everything from hospitals to police stations, all used as the backdrop for Bollywood productions. Visitors have the chance to get a peek into the present world of Bollywood, immersed in dancing or action scenes. There is also a portrait gallery of Bollywood stars, demonstrating its progression from black and white to the special effects of today. Guided tours are available in the morning and afternoon.
Things to know before you go
- S.J. Studios is a must-visit for Bollywood fans.
- You can't just walk into S.J. Studios, and visiting with a guide as part of a tour is mandatory.
- Visits include some walking outdoors, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection.
How to get there
S.J. Studios is situated in Mumbai's Andheri East neighborhood, a good hour to hour and a half by car from Churchgate in the heart of the city (in medium traffic). Mumbai's airport is about a 40-minute drive away, despite not being too far as the crow flies. It’s easiest to come here as part of a guided tour that includes transfers so that you don’t have to worry about finding a taxi back after your tour.
Trip ideas
When to get there
There are two tours per day, morning and afternoon; as some of the tour is outdoors, you may prefer a morning tour to avoid the heat of the day. As with most Mumbai attractions, you're best off visiting outside of the monsoon season that runs from June through September and can bring with it significant flooding.
What is Bollywood?
India's Hindi-language film industry, lovingly dubbed "Bollywood," is among India's most popular exports, producing hundreds of films every year. These films are generally longer than their Hollywood counterparts, often running well over two hours, and usually feature intermissions when screened in movie theaters. Song and dance play a big role in Bollywood films, but few actors do their own singing, instead lip-syncing along to songs recorded in studios by professional "playback singers."
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