Los Angeles unfolds as a dazzling playground for film enthusiasts eager to trace the footprints of cinematic history from Bollywood to Hollywood. This city harbours an extraordinary blend of film locations that have graced both Indian and American screens, making it a fascinating destination for travellers with a passion for movies.
A perfect starting point for this exploration is the legendary Warner Bros. Studio in Pasadena. Here, visitors can take immersive tours that plunge them into the making of iconic shows like The Big Bang Theory and Friends. The experience brings fans face-to-face with original sets such as Central Perk, and even special exhibits dedicated to beloved franchises like the DC Universe and Harry Potter. The studio’s rich environment offers a captivating glimpse into Hollywood’s storytelling magic that also resonates with Bollywood fans familiar with cross-cultural productions.
For a taste of Hollywood’s broader glamour alongside cinematic history, the Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City provides a dynamic experience. Besides thrilling rides based on contemporary hits, you get a one-hour Studio Tour hosted by none other than Jimmy Fallon. It features authentic film sets ranging from the eerie Bates Motel of Psycho to the high-speed corridors of Fast & Furious. The recent addition of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ adds a playful yet immersive dimension, appealing to family travellers seeking entertainment and film culture combined.
Further enriching this journey, the historic Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City invites visitors behind its gates for a guided walk through soundstages that hosted iconic productions like The Wizard of Oz and Spider-Man. Here, glimpses of beloved TV staples such as Jeopardy! and the edgy drama Breaking Bad—complete with the infamous RV—offer a unique encounter with television history, perfectly complementing the Bollywood-Hollywood narrative.
Los Angeles itself is a star-studded tapestry of film locations that appear in many Bollywood productions, too. Take a stroll through Downtown Los Angeles, where you can recognise spots from movies like La La Land alongside venues that have doubled for all corners of the world in numerous Bollywood scenes. Union Station, with its grand architectural lines, has frequently served as a cinematic proxy for cities beyond California, including appearances in Bollywood-themed films and Hollywood classics alike.
No film location tour is complete without a visit to the iconic Hollywood Sign, a symbol that connects narratives across global cinema. Nearby Beverly Hills offers glitz and extravagance familiar to fans of both industries, featured prominently in glamour-packed Bollywood song sequences and Hollywood blockbusters.
Whether you’re tracing the behind-the-scenes magic of a Hollywood blockbuster or recognising a familiar Bollywood backdrop, Los Angeles offers an extraordinary cinema pilgrimage. From world-class studio tours to iconic cityscapes that whisper stories of the silver screen, this city’s film locations beautifully bridge the worlds of Bollywood and Hollywood, inviting travellers to step into their favourite stories and live a little film history for themselves.