The first Indian film to be shot in Switzerland is Sangam, directed by and starring Raj Kapoor.
Released in 1964, the film not only became a massive box-office success but also changed how Indian filmmakers viewed international locations forever.
(Image: IMDb)4 / 7 However, it was in the late 1980s and 1990s that Switzerland truly became Bollywood’s favourite foreign destination, largely thanks to Yash Chopra.
(Image: IMDb)6 / 7 In fact, Yash Chopra’s impact on Swiss tourism became so significant that Switzerland honoured him in several ways over the years.
A statue of the filmmaker was installed in Interlaken, and a lake was even named after him as a tribute to his contribution to Swiss tourism through Indian cinema.
Last Updated: May 23, 2026, 13:15 IST
1 / 7 Long before snowy mountains and Swiss valleys became a staple of Bollywood romance, there was one film that quietly opened the doors to Switzerland for Indian cinema. The first Indian film to be shot in Switzerland is Sangam, directed by and starring Raj Kapoor. Released in 1964, the film not only became a massive box-office success but also changed how Indian filmmakers viewed international locations forever. (Image: IMDb)
2 / 7 At a time when most Hindi films were shot almost entirely in Indian studios or nearby outdoor locations, Raj Kapoor made the ambitious decision to shoot parts of Sangam in Europe, including Switzerland. For Indian audiences in the 1960s, the sight of pristine lakes, snow-covered Alps and picturesque European streets on the big screen felt almost dreamlike. (Image: IMDb)
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3 / 7 The film starred Raj Kapoor alongside Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar, and its visuals became as memorable as its music and emotional storyline. Songs and scenes filmed against Swiss landscapes introduced many Indians to the beauty of the country long before international tourism became common. Interestingly, shooting abroad during that era was far from easy. Transporting equipment, arranging permissions and managing budgets overseas were major challenges for Indian filmmakers. But Raj Kapoor’s gamble paid off. Sangam became a huge hit and proved that international locations could add a new visual scale and aspirational charm to Bollywood storytelling. (Image: IMDb)
4 / 7 However, it was in the late 1980s and 1990s that Switzerland truly became Bollywood’s favourite foreign destination, largely thanks to Yash Chopra. (Image: IMDb)
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5 / 7 Often called the filmmaker who romanticised Switzerland for Indian audiences, Yash Chopra transformed the country into a cinematic paradise through films like Chandni, Lamhe, Darr and later the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Snowy mountains, colourful meadows and train rides through the Alps became visual signatures of Bollywood romance. (Image: IMDb)
6 / 7 In fact, Yash Chopra’s impact on Swiss tourism became so significant that Switzerland honoured him in several ways over the years. A statue of the filmmaker was installed in Interlaken, and a lake was even named after him as a tribute to his contribution to Swiss tourism through Indian cinema. (Image: IMDb)
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