A fortified palace whose history stretches over 300 years in this Rajasthan town is fast turning into a Bollywood destination for filmmakers eager to showcase the rich splendour of a bygone era. Shown as an eerie fortified palace in the movie Bhool Bhulaiya, Chomu palace is a fully functional hotel and a much-loved picnic spot with all the modern amenities and facilities. Be it Bhool Bhulaiyaa in which Vidya Balan played a woman with a split personality or Bol Bachchan that showed the irrepressible Abhishek Bachchan at his cheeky best, both were shot in the Chomu Fort that has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The palace has beautifully done up rooms that are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the state. One of the bigger halls, where a scene of Bhool Bhulaiya was shot, has walls that have been artistically done up.
“Chomu fortified palace has a history that goes back over 300 years and now Bollywood is keen to shoot here,” Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Bol Bachchan went on to become hits. The famous dance of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ has been shot in one of the bigger halls in Chomu Palace. Films like Bhool Bhulaiya and Bol Bachchan became super hit and the fort came in the limelight. According to sources, Abhishek Bachchan has praised the fortified palace and he wishes to shot another film in the same place. Directors like Rohit Shetty and Priyadarshan have found the place relevant for their films and they loved the place during Reiki. The movies that have been filmed at the sprawling palace also include Loafer, Gulal and Queens (The Destiny of Dance). Not just movies, even serials have been shot at the palace, where work was initiated by Karan Singh in 1598. “Serials like Ratan Ka Swayamvar and Jhansi Ki Rani were shot here,” The fort is not only catered to Bollywood but it is one of the accommodations for the tourists.
Most of the artefacts are intact and it gives the feel of the royal era. For instance, the Maharaja suite has a four-poster bed made of silver and beautifully carved silver furniture add grandeur and splendour to the room.
The heritage property has retained the carvings on the walls making it one of a kind of experience for visitors and a perfect backdrop for movies.
