Khalsa College favourite destination for Bollywood

AMRITSAR: Over the years the local Khalsa College has become one of the most favored destinations for a number of Bollywood and Punjabi filmmakers

Updated At : 06:34 AM Aug 22, 2017 IST

Not only Bollywood movies, but also a number of Punjabi flicks and songs have been shot at Khalsa College in Amritsar. Photo: Nancy Sohal

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 21

Over the years, the local Khalsa College has become one of the most favored destinations for a number of Bollywood and Punjabi filmmakers. The reason is the heritage architecture. Be it famous court-room scene of Veer Zara flick (2004) starring Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta, 2008 hit Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Junooniyat (2016) with Pulkit Samrat in lead or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Sarbjit, the college has found a considerable place in the B-town.

A number of filmmakers have sent their requests to shot at this iconic structure. Even the halls of the college have been copied by various studios.

Khalsa College Principal Mehal Singh said, “We have a number of requests. A lot of movies have been shot here. The reason is the structure of the college that resembles a fort.”

Established in 1892, the college was designed by Bhai Ram Singh, famous architect of the pre-Partition era. The architecture is inspired by Mughal and Sikh designs and uncut red bricks have been used in the building.

The college management charges fee as per agreements with filmmakers. The background of the college can be seen in most of the old Punjabi movies and songs.

According to college authorities, they are choosy when it comes to allotting the place. The script has to be aligning with the value system of the college. “The college checks the script before granting permission for shooting,” said an official, who didn’t wish to be named.