India, with its beauty and its people, its seasons and its flavours has always been a great favourite of people around the world. Indian cinema, too, is a global attraction for its songs and its romance. Stars around the world love India and its entertainment industry. Naturally, Hollywood stars pay visits to India every now and then. There are several reasons behind these visits. One of the most popular reasons for them to visit India, is for shooting. India’s beaches, mountains and greeneries are unique, so are its people and their culture. Naturally, it is a hot favourite for Hollywood movies as a shooting spot. James Bond movie, “Octopussy” was shot In Udaipur in 1983, and the tradition is still in continuation. Ashton Kutcher was recently here for the shooting of JOBS, while Mira Nair brought home Kiefer Sutherland and Liev Schreiber to shoot for The Reluctant Fundamentalist. This is because, the flavour of India cannot be captured anywhere but in the country itself. Stars like Tom Cruise and Paula Patton have visited India for the purpose of promoting their movies because urban India makes up a large part of the viewership of Hollywood movies. The number of these visits is increasing, as Hollywood stars see more reasons and opportunities to come here.
The Indian entertainment industry, as a whole, has become a centre of attraction for Hollywood stars, too. Indian cinema has long been popular with the stars around the world, but, the films are recently getting to see star appearances by Hollywood faces. Rocky-star Sylvester Stallone was roped in to play a cameo in Bollywood movie, KambakkhtIshq. India is not only popular for the actors but also for the musicians. Lady Gaga performed in the Formula One after parties, while, Akon sang in Shah Rukh Khan’s Ra-1. Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez etc. are all ready toperform here. Hugh‘Wolverine’ Jackmanhas been roped in to be the brand ambassador of Micromax’s Canvas series of mobile phones. So, the entire entertainment industry in India is now the new hot destination for Hollywood actors. Besides these professional reasons, the stars visit India for personal reasons. Actor Naomi Watts toured India with husband Schreiber. Singer Katy Perry got married to English artiste Russell Brand in India. Then there is the obvious reason of philanthropy and social work that bring Hollywood actors to India time and again. Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Ashton Kutcher, Naomi Watts are some of the names involved in charitable work in India. Stars from other parts of the world like Britain, Brazil, etc. hog India for work in the cinema and fashion industry, as well as to devour the beauty that India is.