Shimla: The picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh and its rich culture will take center stage in the Bollywood film Vanvaas, which is set to release this Friday. The movie, directed by Anil Sharma, showcases Shimla’s stunning locations, with scenes shot in iconic spots such as Fagu, Naldehra, Mashobra, Summerhill, the historical Ridge Ground, Scandal Point, and Mall Road. The vibrant culture of Himachal, including traditional music, attire, and customs, adds authenticity to the film’s storyline.
Notably, Vanvaas offers a platform for local talent, with several children from Shimla playing pivotal roles. Suryansh, Rihansh Chauhan, and Shivaay Hangta, all students from the city, portray the childhood of the film’s central character, played by Bollywood veteran Nana Patekar.
All the news of Himachal Pradesh on our WhatsApp channel
Suryansh Chauhan, a 7th-grade student at St. Edward School, portrays the role of the eldest son in the film. At just 11 years old, Suryansh is already making his mark in the industry, having previously acted in a film shot in Mumbai. Rihansh Chauhan, a 3rd-grade student at DAV New Shimla, plays the second son, while 4-year-old Shivaay Hangta, a student at Secret Heart School in Dhali, takes on the role of the youngest son. Despite his tender age, Shivaay’s performance has been praised for its maturity and depth.
The film was shot during winter last year, with the team using the local culture, including traditional instruments like Ransingha, Dhol-Nagara, and Karnal, along with attire such as the Bushhari Topi and Sadri, to enhance the cultural backdrop. Bollywood stars, including comedian Rajpal Yadav, actor Utkarsh Sharma, and actress Simrat Kaur, also participated in the filming, making the project a blend of both local and national talent.
Also Read: Shimla: Shooting Of Bollywood Film Journey Song Took Place At Ridge Ground, Rajpal Learned To Play Himachali Musical Instrument Ranasingha.
With scenes captured across Shimla’s charming streets and hillsides, Vanvaas promises to offer a cinematic journey through the beauty and heritage of Himachal Pradesh. For the children of Shimla, it marks a significant step in their acting careers, as they share the screen with one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, Nana Patekar.