Actor Amitabh Bachchan reminisces with Saif Ali Khan about the captivating film history at Mumbai's esteemed Filmistan Studios, a legendary location in Bollywood.
**Filmistan Studios: A Legacy in Bollywood's Golden Age**
Nestled in Goregaon West, Mumbai, Filmistan Studios stands as a testament to the bygone era of India's film industry. Established in 1943 by Sasadhar Mukherjee, a member of the revered Mukherjee family, the studio was an integral part of the Bombay Talkies group before becoming a standalone entity [2][5].
In its heyday, Filmistan Studios was one of the busiest film production sites, boasting seven shooting floors and a temple. It was the backdrop for countless iconic Bollywood films, such as 'Paying Guest' (1957) and 'Nastik' (1954) [1][2]. The studio played a pivotal role in nurturing the growth of Indian cinema, providing a platform for filmmakers to create unforgettable movies.
The studio's significance in Bollywood is evident in the memories shared by some of the industry's legends. Dharmendra, an actor who shot many of his early films at Filmistan Studios, fondly described it as a place where dreams were born and his second home. Amitabh Bachchan often recalled shooting portions of his early films like "Zanjeer" (1973) and "Deewaar" (1975) at the studio [6].
Filmistan Studios was also a hub for creative encounters. Saif Ali Khan met Kareena Kapoor Khan for the first time at the studio, long before romance blossomed between them. Their love story truly began years later on the sets of their 2008 film "Tashan" [3]. Shatrughan Sinha fondly remembered Lata Mangeshkar and recalled his first meeting with her during the recording of the song 'Aa Bata De Tujhe Kaise Jiya Jata Hai' at the studio [4].
However, the studio's future has taken a new direction. In 2025, Arkade Developers acquired Filmistan Studios for ₹183 crores, with plans to develop the site into a luxury residential project. The project, estimated to have a Gross Development Value (GDV) of ₹3,000 crores, will feature two 50-storey high-rise towers with spacious 3, 4, and 5 BHK residences, along with exclusive penthouses [2][3][4].
This transformation marks the end of an era for Filmistan Studios as a film production facility, but it will introduce a new chapter in the evolution of the Goregaon area. Despite its impending demolition, Filmistan Studios leaves behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema. It serves as a reminder of the golden age of Bollywood and the creative contributions of its founders. The studio's legacy will continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers, even as the physical site gives way to new developments.
References: [1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mumbai/filmistan-studios-to-be-acquired-by-arkade-developers-for-183-crore/article66694610.ece [2] https://www.mid-day.com/articles/filmistan-studios-to-be-acquired-by-arkade-developers-for-rs-183-crore/22597480 [3] https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-recalls-meeting-kareena-kapoor-khan-for-the-first-time-at-filmistan-studios/story-JxIcLg6HQ5P3h2AyLvu5vM.html [4] https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/shatrughan-sinha-recalls-his-first-meeting-with-lata-mangeshkar-at-filmistan-studios/story-kVy1H42kZRyAy3s1Ss9OvM.html [5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mumbai/filmistan-studios-to-be-acquired-by-arkade-developers-for-183-crore/article66694610.ece [6] https://www.mid-day.com/articles/amitabh-bachchan-remembers-filming-portions-of-his-early-films-at-filmistan-studios/22597537
Filmistan Studios' new owners, Arkade Developers, bought the studio for ₹183 crores in 2025, intending to transform it into a luxury real-estate project. The project, valued at approximately ₹3,000 crores, will feature two 50-storey high-rise towers, offering 3, 4, and 5 BHK residences, along with exclusive penthouses.
In the past, Filmistan Studios was a vibrant bollywood business hub, where many iconic films were produced. Actors such as Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan had fond memories of shooting their early films there.
The studio's shift from film production to luxury real-estate has signaled the end of an era, but its rich legacy in Indian entertainment remains, inspiring future generations of filmmakers who aim to etch their names in Bollywood's history books.
