A destination popular several decades ago among directors across India, the number of film shoots in Ooty has dwindled on account of stringent rules and the lure of foreign locales
In the summer of 1962, writes D Thiagarajan in his book Misty Memoirs, Raj Kapoor “took utmost care to protect the enchanting lawns and flower beds of the Government Botanical Garden in Ooty” during the filming of the song "Yeh mera prem patra", sung by Mohammed Rafi in one of his greatest hits Sangam (1964).
In an interview after the film’s release, writes Thiagarajan, Kapoor said when he heard the lyrics, the Ooty garden came to mind. He was one of several filmmakers of the past who shot extensively in Ooty. The hills also make their appearance in his films Jis Desh Men Ganga Bahti Hai (1959) and Mera Naam Joker (1969).
In an interview after the film’s release, writes Thiagarajan, Kapoor said when he heard the lyrics, the Ooty garden came to mind. He was one of several filmmakers of the past who shot extensively in Ooty. The hills also make their appearance in his films Jis Desh Men Ganga Bahti Hai (1959) and Mera Naam Joker (1969).