Silver Screen Stars Add Silver Lining To Property

When it comes to Bollywood celebrities, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are definitely the most sought after actors today. Their presence in any film can double its ratings and market value. No wonder, fans make a beeline to catch a glimpse of these two stars when they arrive in town for a movie shoot. In fact, the popular influence of these two stars is so awe-inspiring that the locations where their movies are filmed have turned into hot properties.

An exhibition of star power

Delhi NCR witnessed first-hand star power of Ranbir and Deepika in January and February this year when the actors flew in for the shooting of their upcoming film, Tamasha. On January 29, fans thronged Time Tower Business Park, The Cyber Hub and other buildings on MG Road, all hot properties in Gurgaon, where Ranbir was spotted on the Tamasha sets. The next day, Deepika was seen in Hauz Khas, where policemen had to be deployed to control the crowd of fans. Similar scenes of fan hysteria were played out over the next few days in Vasant Kunj and other parts of Delhi, where scenes of the movie were shot. At every location came thousands of fans, hoping for a glimpse of the two stars.

Local residences turn into dream homes

The excitement is not limited to the movie sets. It bubbles over in theatres and multiplexes when fans see their homes on the silver screen these days. Interestingly, Bollywood blockbusters used to be shot in exotic locations in countries like Switzerland as recently as 15 years ago. Filmmakers would prefer such locations in order to attract audience. A more modern trend in Bollywood is to choose Indian locations that can match those abroad, and the fans are more than delighted to see places located in their city on the big screen. Affluent fans even consider buying properties where their favorite stars have shot movie scenes. This star-struck phenomenon boosts the real estate value of properties that have been used as movie locations. Events such as a movie shoot involving prominent stars can add a glamour quotient to a property for sale in India, thereby increasing the value of the property and the locality itself.

Tamasha shoot locations are prime properties

Flats in Gurgaon are getting pricier by the day. The millennium city's transformation has been nothing short of spectacular, and a new, swanky Gurgaon skyline is rapidly taking shape beside NH8. Parallel to NH 8 runs Sohna Road, which is also a developing area for real estate. This is an established real estate corridor of premium residences, shopping malls and A-grade commercial offices. Sectors 68 to 80, an area located between Sohna Road and NH8, is an upcoming residential hub featuring luxury flats in Gurgaon. These sectors saw project launches by top developers like DLF, Tata Housing, Godrej and Unitech when the market was on an upswing. Over the last few years, more than 30 developers have entered this area. Average prices in this locality are about Rs. 6,650 per sq.ft.

If you are considering to move into flats in Delhi, Vasant Kunj is another place where realty is booming. The typical 2BHK flats in Vasant Kunj are built on an area of 1.250 sq.ft. Imagine sipping a cup of tea on your balcony that overlooks a film set where Ranbir and Deepika are performing! Wouldn't you already be thinking about whom to call first and break the news?

Similar 2BHK flats in Hauz Khas are also available. This is a posh residential area, and the apartments here come fully furnished, with balconies and private car parking facilities. The average rent here is around Rs. 50,000.

Apart from private properties, one can also invest in DDA properties in and around Hauz Khas and Vasant Kunj. These properties fall under DDA schemes, and are available at subsidized rates and have good resale value.