Rajasthan becomes hotspot for Hollywood celebrities

Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, who is currently in Udaipur to shoot for an ad film directed by Shekhar Kapur, is the latest Hollywood celebrity to visit the desert state of Rajasthan.
 
Kidman, who arrived on Tuesday, is reportedly staying  at the Udaipur's Lake Palace Hotel, which is a hot favourite amongst visiting celebrities.

Another Oscar-winning actress to visit the state was Julia Roberts, who stayed in Jaipur during a family holiday with her husband and children in January this year.

The other prominent Hollywood celebrities to visit Udaipur include pop singer Madonna, actor Richard Gere and Madonna's ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

Hollywood 'power couple' Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had taken time out of their shooting schedule for A Mighty Heart in Mumbai to visit the desert state in 2008.

Rajasthan is also a favorite of "Rolling Stones" frontman Mick Jagger, who last visited the state in 2008 with daughter Jade. He stayed at Hotel Rambagh Palace while in Jaipur.
 
Similarly, actress Elizabeth Hurley chose Udaipur as the setting for her lavish wedding with NRI tycoon Arun Nayar in 2007.

The state, popular for its vibrant culture and beautiful palaces, is not only a favourite with the celebrities but has also been a part of Hollywood films.

Films like the 007 flick Octopussy, Jungle Book, Far Pavilions and Kate Winslet-starrer Holy Smoke were shot here.

Mira Nair's film Vanity Fair also featured the state in all its royal majesty.
 
Recently, Adrien Brody-starrer The Darjeeling Limited was shot in Rajasthan.

Hollywood actor Michael Douglas visited the state scouting for locations to shoot his film Racing the Monsoon.