We believe that films often set ambitious goals for travelers. Whether it’s niche corners of India or luxury destinations overseas, many of us turn to stunning movie locations when planning our next trip. And Shah Rukh Khan’s films are no different when it comes to setting travel trends.
The eternal heartthrob, Shah Rukh Khan (or SRK as he is affectionately called) graced the big screen almost five years later with his recent release. Pathan. Aside from his generous presence and affable personality, the film also served us with some scenic spots that provided scenic backdrops as King Khan flirted with Rubay (Deepika Padukone) and fought Jim (John Abraham).
If you’re an ardent fan who turns to SRK films time and time again for romance and travel inspiration, we’re sure you’ve already been motivated. Pathan. However, if you need some more options to focus on before booking your tickets, check out these international locations that have been featured in Shah Rukh Khan’s films.
International locations where Shah Rukh Khan films have been filmed
Dubai – Pathan, Happy New Year
Shah Rukh Khan is an ambassador for Dubai Tourism, so it’s no surprise that he glimpses the city in his films. From Atlantis, The Palm in Happy New Year to Burj Khalifa Boulevard Pathan, Dubai was superbly shown in many scenes. What’s more, the actor also has a vacation home in the city!
Other main attractions: Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, The Frame, Dubai Beach, Markets
Book your stay at Atlantis, The Palm here
Spain – Pathan
There’s a good chance you’ve been watching Pathan already in theaters. Song, Besharam Rank, was shot dead in Mallorca, an island in Spain. Boasting clear blue seas, luxurious hotels and lush tropical greenery, this destination is perfect for a luxurious, laid-back getaway. Fun fact, Mallorca (or Mallorca as it’s also called) was one of the most expensive filming locations for the movie!
Other main attractions: Ogle Cathedral Palma de Mallorca, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Gardens of S’Hort del Rey
Book your stay at the Carrossa Hotel & Spa here
Iceland – Dilvale
Gorgeous backgrounds featured in the song orange attracted the attention of many travelers. The track’s visuals include views of the Vestrahorn mountain in Iceland as well as the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. What stood out the most, however, was the DC-3 crash site – the actual location that many considered a prop!
Other main attractions: Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Hallgrimskirkja, Gullfoss Skogafoss waterfall
Book your stay at The Reykjavik Edition here
Scotland – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
While most of the film was filmed in Mauritius (one of the other international filming locations featured in Shah Rukh Khan films), the title track was filmed in various locations in Scotland. These include Blackrock Cottage, Tantallon Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Menteith Lake.
Other main attractions: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Inverness
Book your stay at Marine North Berwick here
Switzerland – Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Yash Chopra’s films can be credited with the popularity of Switzerland in India. So much so that the hotel room, train, and lake are all named after the legendary director. For many Indians DDLV (starring SRK and Kajol) was the inspiration for planning this Europe trip and Eurail trip. If you want to refresh your movie memories, visit places like Saanen, Zweisimmen, Gstaad, Jungfraujoch and Lake Lungeren where some of the scenes were filmed.
Other main attractions: Swiss Alps, Zurich, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Interlaken, Chillon Castle
Book your stay at Le Grand Bellevue here
London – Jab Tak Hai Jaan, fan
Shah Rukh Khan’s films are always a hit with travel lovers. So putting London on the map of its filming locations is quite appropriate. From singing in the streets with a guitar in my hand Jab Tak Hai Jaan play an obsessive fan at Madame Tussauds for a movie Fanthe city has been featured in many of the actor’s films.
Other main attractions: Big Ben, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, London Eye
Book your stay at the Milestone Hotel Kensington here
Greece – Chult Chult
Romantic film 2003, Chult Chult, was widely filmed in Greece. Among the most memorable parts of the film is the song, Tauba Tumkhare Ye Isharain which Mykonos was one of the destinations. Another location featured in the film was Athens, the capital of Greece.
Other main attractions: Cato Milli, Elia Beach, Rarity Gallery, Oia
Book your stay at Alissachni Mykonos here
Malaysia – Don
If you have been wanting to visit Malaysia for a long time, here is a tip for you. SRK star DonThe film’s climax was filmed at locations such as Langkawi Sky Bridge, Langkawi Cable Car, Petronas Twin Towers, Datai Estate Villa and Selangor Turf Club. Don 2on the other hand, the prison of Malacca was depicted.
Other main attractions: Penang, Batu Caves, Melaka, Taiping
Book your stay at The FACE Suites here
Pyramids of Giza Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gam
Who can forget the soulful song Suraj Hua Maddhamfrom the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam? The iconic track featuring Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan was filmed at the Pyramids of Giza. Other locations in the film include Bahariya Oasis, Hurghada and Farafra in Egypt, and Kent, London and Wales in the UK. To date, the visuals from the song are the epitome of romance, and the song itself is used by many lovers to serenades their partners.
Other main attractions: Cairo, Temples and Tombs of Luxor, Abu Simbel, Nile River
Book your stay at the Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo here
USA – Pardes, Kal Ho Naa Ho
Remember dear Aman who brought Naina and Rohit together in Kal Ho Naa Ho? The character was played by Shah Rukh Khan and the film was filmed in New York. It used locations such as Five Boroughs, Long Island, and Brooklyn. The Big Apple, as New York is known, is adorned with cafes and theaters and is famous for its fast-paced life, much of which the film was able to perfectly embody on the screen. In addition to this film, several scenes in the 1997 film parades filmed in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Other main attractions: Empire State Building, Central Park, Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Hollywood
Book your stay at Lotte New York Palace here
Siberia – Pathan
Pathanthe climactic scene was filmed on the mesmerizing Lake Baikal in Siberia. This is the first Bollywood movie filmed in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a bike chase between Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham, with Deepika following suit on skates. The lake is said to be the oldest and deepest in the world and serves as a stunning backdrop to the energetic scene. The film also showed parts of Russia, Turkey, Dubai and Spain.
Other main attractions: Altai Mountains, Trans-Siberian Railway, Stolby National Park, Yenisei River
India – several films including Veer Zaara, Chak De! India, Rais, Dil To Pagal Hai
Yes, India as a place does not seem to fit into the story of the international destinations where Shah Rukh Khan’s films are filmed. However, it would be fair to include the actor’s home country, as this is where he worked on most of his projects. Raisin which he co-starred with Mahira Khan was filmed in Gujarat and scenes from Om Shanti Om were widely shot in Mumbai. Wagah Border was featured in the movie Veer Zaarawhile Delhi was used as one of the filming locations in Chuck De! India And Fan.
Other main attractions: Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur), Lonavala, Hyderabad, Meghalaya, Chandigarh, Amritsar
Book your stay at The Leela Palace New Delhi here
Hero image credit: Jack Krier/Unsplash; Featured Image Credit: Isabella Smith/Unsplash
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