Three decades after the release of the timeless classic film Bombay, actor Manisha Koirala, briefly returned to being Shaila Bano on the scenic shores of Bekal, as the film’s core team revisited the iconic location that shaped Indian cinema history.
Director Mani Ratnam, Manisha Koirala and cinematographer Rajiv Menon arrived at Bekal Fort on Saturday morning to mark 30 years of Bombay. The visit rekindled memories of the filming of the evergreen song Uyire Uyire, shot against the dramatic backdrop of rain, sea and stone at Bekal.
Recalling the shoot, Rajiv Menon said continuous rain for four days had nearly stalled filming. “When the rain suddenly eased, we captured those frames at Bekal. The rain actually gave the visuals their soul. The rough sea and intimidating waves only enhanced the beauty of the song,” he said.
Manisha Koirala described Bombay as a turning point in her career and said returning to Bekal filled her with joy. Mani Ratnam, reflecting on the experience, said Bekal remained one of his most cherished locations. The trio walked around the fort, revisiting spots where key scenes were filmed before departing.
Tourism and Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas was also present during the visit.
The event was jointly organised by the Bekal Resorts Development with the aim of reintroducing Bekal Fort to cinema lovers and strengthening the regions’s cine tourism potential.
Apart from Bekal, the film also showcased the beauty of Thalangara. Several importance scenes, including the home of Shekhar and Shaila Bano and their first meeting when the heroine steps off a train, were filmed there.
Released in 1995, Bombay blended romance with stark social realities, offering a new cinematic language to Indian cinema. The characters Shekar and Shaila Bano, played by Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala respectively, continue to live on in popular memory.
The film’s music composed by A.R. Rahman, remains widely celebrated. Thirty years on, the return to Bekal affirmed the enduring bond between cinema and the place, proving that while time moves on powerful stories and visuals remain unforgettable.
