Russian, Dec 03 : President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in Delhi on Thursday, December 4, ahead of his high-profile summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 5. While political, trade, and strategic cooperation will dominate discussions, another enduring connection between the two nations often goes unnoticed: cinema. India and Russia share a rich history of collaboration and admiration on the silver screen.
In recent years, Russia’s stunning landscapes—from the icy expanse of Lake Baikal to the historic streets of St. Petersburg have become sought-after locations for Bollywood filmmakers. These locales provide a visually striking canvas for storytelling, adding unique backdrops to Indian films.
The Indo-Russian cinematic relationship dates back decades. Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker (1970) featured a Moscow sequence with Russian actress Kseniya Lvovna Ryabinkina. Later, films like Lucky: No Time for Love (2005) with Salman Khan and Sneha Ullal, and Pathaan (2023) starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, showcased the breathtaking beauty of St. Petersburg and Lake Baikal. Salman Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger (2012) also included portions filmed in Russia. Historical collaborations such as Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves (1981) highlighted joint Indo-Soviet production efforts.
Russian audiences have long embraced Bollywood classics. Films like Awaara (1951), Shree 420 (1955), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Aradhana (1969), Bobby (1973), and Disco Dancer (1982) enjoyed immense popularity, establishing Indian cinema as a beloved part of Soviet culture. Action-packed thrillers and romantic dramas, including Ek Tha Tiger, Rajput (1982), Prem Kahani (1975), and Barood (1976), also found loyal audiences across Russia.
Beyond their entertainment value, Bollywood films shot in Russia act as tools of cultural diplomacy, strengthening people-to-people ties and showcasing artistic collaboration. Each project brings together filmmakers, technicians, and audiences from both nations, complementing the broader political and strategic partnership between India and Russia.