Wagah Border recreated for Salman Khan film

Actor is shooting 'Bharat' with Katrina Kaif at the location

With Lahore and Amritsar on either side, the Wagah Border is one of the most famous landmarks situated between Pakistan and India. The place, which holds great sentimental value for the people of both countries, is now being recreated for a Salman Khan film, reported The Indian Express.

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The replica has been built in Ballowal village, located in Ludhiana. Salman will be filming Bharat opposite Katrina Kaif at the new structure.

A member of the crew revealed that the script of the film demanded a backdrop of the Wagah Border where shooting is expected to take place till November 18. The Border Security Forces (BCF) does not allow filming at the premises due to security reasons which is why it had to be recreated.

PHOTO: FILMFARE

The source added, "There were certain scenes in which actors have to cross border and reach the Pakistan side. It was not possible to shoot them at original location. Also, it wasn’t practical to film at Wagah Border in Amritsar as it is normally not allowed by BSF due to security reasons. It was highly unlikely that BSF would have permitted it."

A senior official from the BSF also confirmed the same. He stated, "Under normal circumstances, it is not at all allowed to shoot at Wagah Border. It is a sensitive area and certain security issues are there. We did not receive any request asking for permission to shoot this film at Wagah Border. It is difficult to say if they would have been allowed or not by higher ups. No one can cross border and reach Pakistan side under normal circumstances."

PHOTO: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The sarpanch of Ballowal, Gurmukh Singh said that the production team had approached him to ask if they could shoot in the village. He continued, "I spoke to farmers whose fields they wanted to use and agreement was reached. Then the set of Wagah Border was prepared in around 20 days. Since it was difficult to get permission to shoot at actual location in Amritsar, they chose our village. Farmers have been given compensation by production house."

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Extras dressed in BSF and Pakistani rangers' uniforms were seen on location. However, due to tight security arrangements entry for visitors is restricted till November 18. Only the cast and crew and residents of the village are allowed to enter.

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