From Screen to Destination: How Bollywood Films Promote Hidden Tourist Spots in India

Bollywood films turn unknown places into famous tourist spots. Directors pick quiet and beautiful hidden locations for songs and scenes. Fans then travel to see these areas. This paper studies how Bollywood highlights lesser-known destinations in India. It includes examples like Pangong Lake from 3 Idiots, Rohtang Pass from Jab We Met, Chanderi from Stree, and recent spots like Ziro Valley. These places experienced huge visitor increases after the films. The study explores opportunities for local jobs, income growth, and balanced tourism. It also examines challenges such as environmental damage and overcrowding. Finally, it reviews measures including the new Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy 2025 with subsidies up to ₹3 crore. Film-induced tourism spreads visitors to remote areas and aids sustainable Indian tourism development.