Bollywood Studio Tour Mumbai: Live Shoots & Local Guide Access

Summary

Explore Mumbai’s Bollywood studios with live filming and insider access

You’ll step into Mumbai’s Bollywood world with a local guide by your side — watching live shoots if they’re happening, trying out dance moves or even recording your own song. Explore costume galleries and VFX demos before relaxing at the studio café. This tour includes private transport and hotel pickup for an easy day that feels surprisingly personal.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out of the car and the air is thick with something you can’t quite name? That was my first moment at SJ Studio in Mumbai — a mix of paint, old costumes, and maybe a little bit of nervousness. Our guide, Sameer, waved us over right away. He seemed to know everyone — actors in half-makeup, a guy balancing three cups of chai, even the security guard who nodded at us like we were regulars. I didn’t expect to feel so… inside it all.

The best part for me was watching a real Bollywood dance rehearsal. The music was loud but not too much, and the dancers moved like they’d been practicing since forever. Sameer nudged me to try a few steps (I’m not sure what my feet did but it wasn’t dancing). We also got to record ourselves singing — I still have the video somewhere, though I probably shouldn’t show anyone. There was this room full of costumes from old movies; some smelled faintly of incense and dust. It made me think about how many stories had passed through here.

We wandered through empty sets — one looked like a hospital, another like someone’s living room from the 90s. The VFX demo was wild; I never realized how much magic happens after filming. At one point we saw an actual shoot in progress (they asked us to keep our phones silent), and everyone got quiet except for the director barking directions in Hindi. It felt weirdly intimate, almost like we were intruding on something important.

By the time we stopped for chai at the little Bollywood café (the samosas were spicy enough to make me cough), I felt oddly at home. Maybe it was Sameer’s stories or just being around so much creative chaos. On the drive back to my hotel, I kept thinking about all those tiny moments behind the scenes that most people never see — honestly, I still think about that view from the costume gallery window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bollywood studio tour and exploration

• Drive to SJ studio
• Explore live Bollywood dance
• Experience self singing opportunity
• Learn VFX special effects
• Visit Hall of Fame
• Visit Bollywood cafe and costume gallery
• Explore Bollywood museum
• Visit empty sets
• Explore 100 years of Bollywood
• Watch live shootings if available
• Return to accommodation in Mumbai

Top questions

How long does the Bollywood studio tour take?

The tour lasts about 4 hours including travel time from your accommodation in Mumbai.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bollywood studio tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your private air-conditioned vehicle.

Will I see a live film shoot during this tour?

You may see live movie, TV, or ad shootings depending on availability on the day of your visit.

Can children join this Bollywood studio experience?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

What activities are included on this day trip to Bollywood studios?

You’ll watch dance rehearsals, try singing, learn about VFX effects, visit costume galleries and possibly observe live shoots.

Is there a guide during the Bollywood studio visit?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a professional local guide throughout your experience.

Are food or drinks provided on this tour?

Bottled water is included; snacks or meals at the café are not specified as included.

Do I need to keep my phone silent during filming?

Yes, please keep your mobile on silent mode during any active shooting sessions as requested by staff.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Mumbai by private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water along for comfort. You’ll be guided by a local expert throughout your visit to SJ Studio — exploring live dance rehearsals, costume galleries, VFX demos, museum spaces and possibly witnessing real-time filming before heading back to your accommodation.