Jaipur: Hollywood’s must see city

There’s something about Jaipur that attracts foreigners by the drove. And now, Hollywood celebs have also discovered the city.Rich in customs and traditions, Jaipur has always meant a royal experience for Hollywood. And in 2011, particularly, this connect has become very apparent – from shooting scenes of Batman to coming here for leisurely trips, Hollywood stars have been here and done that. What makes Jaipur a don’t miss city on the must see in India lists of these stars? As the year nears its end, here’s a quick flashback…Heritage calls Many times, many people have said that Jaipur is an exceptionally romantic destination. That is why when Hollywood star Hugh Jackman was busy preparing an itinerary for his maiden visit to India, Jaipur topped the list. On a pleasure trip to Jaipur in March this year, the 43-year-old Australian “X-Men” actor flew down with his wife Deborra Lee Furness and visited Amber Fort, and made a few stopovers at city shops. And for British actress Naomi Watts, it was an exciting day out in Jaipur when she left her husband Liev Schreiber to shoot in Delhi, and came to Jaipur with her kids. She went exploring the historical city and shopping. Watts spent more than two days here, visiting architectural marvels like the Jal Mahal, along with her mother Miv Watts. And when the whole country was gearing up for Diwali this year, Rowan Atkinson, the 56-year-old “Mr. Bean” star, and his friends saw the city in all its lit-up glory. He ensured that his visit to Amber was kept under wraps to avoid any intrusion in his pleasure trip, but he could keep the media away.Shoppers’ delightShopping which is one of the most favoured activities in Jaipur, is a tempting proposition even for Hollywood personalities. Jaipur’s jewellery, colourful textiles, handcrafted bags, leather jootis are all bought by them. One of the city’s major attractions is its lively market, especially the old markets in the walled city that acquaint travellers with the city’s real hullabaloo. When Leslee Udwin, British film producer, came to Jaipur, she shopped for jewellery at the local shops. “Its massive and an incredible feat of archaeology, and we certainly need to appreciate it,” commented Udwin after seeing some of Jaipur’s architectural marvels.“A yearning desire to visit the state also inspires them in giving their creative best to the world of cinema,” says travel writer Tripti Pandey. Alice Englert who was shooting for director Rolland Joffe’s “Singularity” in Madhya Pradesh, specially flew into the city. She made the best of her two days’ stay in Pink city, exploring various markets, picking and selecting various handloom and handicrafts products. She bought block print textile stuff, silver and studded jewellery. “Jaipur is more like a second home for me. I always love coming here,” shared Alice in an exclusive chat with us during her visit. There are also celebs who come here looking for peace and harmony. Yoga expert Atul Vyas says, “Hollywood’s search for solace often ends at Jaipur. That is why the state’s yoga tourism is picking up. Hollywood celebs keep coming to attain physical, mental and emotional balance.” Atul has been teaching yoga to people like Kate Winslet, Jane Campion, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman whenever they come to the Pink City.