The Swiss authorities are planning to install a statue of
veteran Indian actor Sridevi, whose superhit movie Chandni was shot at the
country's picturesque locations. The statue of the renowned Indian
filmmaker, Yash Chopra, was unveiled in Interlaken in 2016. "Many of
Chopra's films featured Switzerland as a backdrop and he is credited with
boosting the popularity of the Alpine nation among Indian tourists. Now,
considering Sridevi's role in promoting tourism here, there is a proposal to
honour the actor by having her statue here," a senior official familiar
with the development said.
The 1989 blockbuster Chandni had also put Switzerland on centre stage as almost
half the song and dance sequences in the film had a Swiss backdrop. Raj
Kapoor's 1964 film Sangam was the first Indian film shot in Switzerland, which
was followed by An Evening in Paris in 1967. Since then Bollywood made
Switzerland their favourite shooting location paving way to cement the image of
the country's alpine scenery as a romantic paradise for Indians.
Yash Chopra And Sridevi On-The-Sets Of Chandni
"However, for many Indian tourists visiting the country today, it is
Chopra's 1995 production Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge that is their Swiss point
of reference. Interestingly, for the tourists who happen to be cinema fanatics,
there is also a provision to arrange Bollywood packaged trips here," the
official said.
Sridevi And Rishi Kapoor In Chandni
The government of Interlaken had also awarded the honorary title of Ambassador
of Interlaken to Yash Chopra in 2011 and a train is named after him.
"Chopra's last movie as a director- Jab Tak Hai Jaan also had Switzerland
in its original screenplay however it had to be cancelled due to his sudden
demise. There is also a lake which is known as Yash Chopra lake here as he shot
many of his scenes at the lake in Lauenensee," the official said.
Sridevi, who had an illustrious career spanning over four decades, passed away
at the age of 55 due to accidental drowning in Dubai earlier this year.
Image Source: youtube/yrf, indian24