The border areas of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in which come under the BSF (Border Security Force), have become Bollywood's go-to desert location for film shoots. After playing host to films like Badshaho, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Mirzya and Airlift, this desert area will next be seen in Parmanu - The Story Of Pokhran. In fact, not just filmmakers, but TV producers also shoot desert sequences in this area. The reasons for its popularity are an easy permission process and the reputation of being a fuss-free location. BSF officials tell us that till a few years back, film crews used to approach them only in the winter, but now, even April is a busy shooting period.

EASY PERMISSION FOR BORDER AREAS OF RAJASTHAN
In almost every part of the country, a film team needs to take shooting permissions from multiple authorities. But in this border area, only the BSF's permission is needed. The entire border area of Rajasthan is 1,070 km long, which covers Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar, Bikaner and Barmer. While Barmer is a restricted area, Jaisalmer is the most popular film shooting destination.

Amit Lodha, DIG (on deputation in BSF), says, “It doesn't take us very long to give a go-ahead for a film shooting. It's a quick process. After the BSF receives a request for shooting in border areas, our General Intelligence Unit assesses the security concerns and then advises the team to shoot in a particular area. Sometimes, we suggest alternative locations too.“

Even though tourists are not allowed in the restricted areas, when a film team wants to shoot there, permission is given after proper assessment. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Mirzya was shot closer to the border areas of Barmer, which are restricted for the public. At that time, Mehra was quoted as saying, “We filmed the climax in Rajasthan's remote desert areas, which are beyond Jaisalmer, near the border. The local tourism board and the soldiers were very helpful when we were shooting in these areas.“

FUSS-FREE SHOOTS
With Border first making the area popular with filmmakers, the number of films being shot here has jumped in the last two-three years. Why this sudden rise? “Good reviews,“ says Lodha, adding that film crews want fuss-free shoots, and that's why, they prefer this area for desert sequences. He adds, “Crowd management and other security concerns often lead to the cancellation of shoots in other desert locations. Here, if a crew is shooting, there is no population to create any disturbance and we ensure that shooting is conducted smoothly.“

Incidentally, before the desert schedule for Parmanu, when John Abraham was shooting a scene in a telephone booth in a Jaisalmer market, some anti-social elements threw stones. The shoot was then shifted to the Pokhran Fort instead of the market.

LOGISTICALLY VIABLE AND YEAR-ROUND FILM SHOOTING
The BSF officials reveal that logistically too, shooting in the area works for the crews as they don't charge anything. A BSF official says, “When police provides security to the film team, they charge them, but we don't charge a penny.“ The popularity of the area has grown so much that earlier the BSF used to get film shooting requests only during winter, but now, shooting goes on year-round, including schedules in April-May. For instance, Baadshaho was shot in April while Parmanu was shot in June-July.

SOON A BSF STORY ON THE BIG SCREENS?
During shooting of films, when filmmakers and actors visit the BSF camps, they also try to get a sneak peek into the lives of jawans, not just for curiosity but for creativity purposes. The officials tell us that they have discussed a script with a filmmaker, which might make it to the big screens and a popular actor is planning to take up that project. Lodha said, “I can't reveal any detail right now. But yes, we have discussed a script which might make it to the big screens.“

NEED A HIT FILM? VISIT TANOT MATA TEMPLE
The BSF officials said that it is believed that if an actor visits the Tanot Mata Temple, his movie will be a hit. Ajay Devgn had visited the temple during the shooting of Badshaho. A BSF official tells us, “Almost every actor who comes to this area for shooting, visits the temple. Be it Akshay Kumar or Ajay Devgn, all of them have visited it.“

Interestingly, a BSF official is also the priest of the temple, which is 145 km from Jaisalmer and BSF officials participate in the rituals daily. Also, a few scenes of Border were shot in this temple and since then, the visits have continued.