Wagah Border recreated in Indian village for Salman Khan's next

The renowned, historical site of Wagah Border may not be the most feasible or handy place to feature in a movie and for that reason megastar Salman Khan’s next will be recreating its own Wagah Border.

According to The Indian Express, the Bajrangi Bhaijan actor’s upcoming film ‘Bharat’ will be showcasing Wagah Border but not the one Pakistanis in Lahore or Indians in Amritsar might be familiar with.

The replica of the film is set in the Ballowal village in the Indian city of Ludhiana where the film’s shooting is also taking place with Khan alongside Bollywood diva Katrina Kaif.

Reports citing a crew member revealed that the script of the film required a scene with Wagah Border’s backdrop but since filming is prohibited at the site by the Border Security Forces (BCF), the recreation had to take place.

“There were certain scenes in which actors have to cross border and reach the Pakistan side. It was not possible to shoot them at original location. Also, it wasn’t practical to film at Wagah Border in Amritsar as it is normally not allowed by BSF due to security reasons. It was highly unlikely that BSF would have permitted it,” added the source.

Moreover, one of BSF’s senior official also affirmed in a statement saying: “Under normal circumstances, it is not at all allowed to shoot at Wagah Border. It is a sensitive area and certain security issues are there. We did not receive any request asking for permission to shoot this film at Wagah Border. It is difficult to say if they would have been allowed or not by higher ups. No one can cross border and reach Pakistan side under normal circumstances.”

It was also revealed by the sarpanch of the village that the film creators had approached him seeking permission, saying: “I spoke to farmers whose fields they wanted to use and agreement was reached. Then the set of Wagah Border was prepared in around 20 days. Since it was difficult to get permission to shoot at actual location in Amritsar, they chose our village. Farmers have been given compensation by production house.”