More and more Bollywood filmmakers are choosing to set their stories in the city of eternal romance

She's romantic. She's fashionable. At times, she's even brutal. But nevertheless, she is the perfect palette for a filmmaker to draw from. The city of Paris has lured many storytellers to weave tales of heartbreaks, struggles, triumphs or even sheer tattle around her.

And now, Bollywood is falling for her too. 45 years ago when Shammi and Sharmila walked hand in hand through the lanes of Champs Elysees in An Evening in Paris, it most definitely was a sign.

But it is now that filmmakers are acknowledging the character this lovely city adds to their idea of entertainment. From the recent London Paris New York, to upcoming films like Paradise Street, Love in Paris and Chemistry, each of them tries to define the city of Paris in their own way.

Paris gets personal
Many actors who recommend the city of romance as a shoot location share a personal relationship with Paris. Like Ameesha Patel, who decided to set her first home production in Paris.

She says, "For me Paris is the epitome of romance, It's a city where dreams come true. It's majestic, yet not daunting. In our films we take the viewer into a world they haven't experienced before and what better city than Paris for it."

Adds Kareena Kapoor, "If I had my way I would shoot all my films in either Paris or London because I love both the cities."

Shooting in Paris
Says producer Goldie Behl who believes that it is one of the toughest cities to shoot in, "Though I have seen Paris in films and photographs, I did not realise it would be so alien to me when I went there to shoot my film (London Paris New York).



It is by far the most beautiful city I have shot in, but Paris has a way of toughening up. The local regulations for film shoots are still old-fashioned and you need to work around their rigid ways. But having said that, it is the most creatively friendly space you can ever dream of."

The art and culture that adorns every little street corner of Paris adds to the vision of the filmmakers like few other cities can. Adds Goldie, "We were shooting at the Montmarte in Paris and it was such a delight to see all the musicians and artists there involving themselves in our shoot. It made the sequences look natural and full of life."

Budgets for Paris
Those who choose the French capital as the backdrop to their stories, also realise that shooting in Paris comes with a price. The city by far is the most expensive places to shoot in.

So much so that we hear director Sanjay Ghadvi who was to shoot a film called 7 days in Paris with Imran Khan, shelved it because the budgets were going overboard.



Says director Prem Soni who has been shooting Ishq in Paris with Preity Zinta, "For my film, it was always Paris or nothing else. I couldn't locate this love story anywhere but this city.

I started writing the script two years ago, from the start I have visualised the love blossoming here, " says the director who spent his earlier years in Spain.

Did you know?
Every year, more than 1,000 film shoots take place in more than 4,000 outdoor locations in Paris.



Everlasting tango in Paris
Amelie (2001): This much-acclaimed French movie was the perfect tour guide as Paris played an integral role in the movie. And how!

Before Sunset (2004): Though its prequel was largely shot in Vienna, the sequel eventually had to travel to the French capital for the desired climax.

Inception (2010): Actress Marion Cotillard wasn't the only thing Parisian in this movie. Some pivotal shots happened in the city itself including the now famous 'Paris folding' scene.

Midnight in Paris (2011): Director Woody Allen's love letter to the city he dearly loves.

Hugo (2011): It marked filmmaker Martin Scorsese's debut in 3D and is based in a Paris railway station.