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From Hollywood to Bollywood
BRINGING GOOD LUCK: This here is the canvas by well-known poster artist Balkrishna, commissioned by Visa International, depicting the essence of the commercial "Birds".
India has long been second home for Hollywood actor Richard Gere. In probably Bollywood's closest brush with Hollywood's superstar Gere yet, the actor has shot for the latest Asia Pacific commercial for Visa International at Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The commercial is now being aired on all major television channels.
Professing his well-known love for India, the actor said: "India is like a second home to me. The warmth and friendliness of its people has always been a great attraction that brings me here over and over again. It was great fun to be working on Visa's commercial in the beautiful city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur reflects the vibrancy, colour, beauty and history of India."
Trying to blend the best of East and West, the central theme of the commercial -- called ``Birds'' -- plays on the well-known ritual of letting birds go free to bring good luck to a relative or friend embarking on a journey.
Not just Gere, also in the commercial is young Gauri Shashikant Vaidya, who has acted in several television commercials and also trains as a traditional dancer.
To give a feel of one of India's most colourful cities, the cinematography of the commercial played on the larger than life architecture, with the formidable and magnificent Meherengarh Fort as the setting for the shoot. Jodhpur's bustling and vibrant market was also replicated for the shoot.
Adding a bit more of Bollywood, well-known poster artist Balkrishna was commissioned by Visa for a canvas that depicted the essence of the commercial. It took well over two months for Balkrishna to complete this poster replication of "Birds''.
The entire scripting and preparation of the "Birds" shoot took more than three months, involving casting, finding the perfect location and creating the set. The shoot took place over five days in September, and post-production work was completed over subsequent months in India and Australia.
The commercial was produced by BBDO Clemenger, Australia, with support and collaboration from Stratum Films of Mumbai. -- Anjali Dhal Samanta
-- Anjali Dhal Samanta
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Life
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
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