A Bhojpuri actor gets ready for a take on the banks of the Dimna. A Telegraph file picture

Jamshedpur, June 14: The steel city is again becoming what Ooty is to South Indian cinema and Swiss Alps is to Bollywood — a hotspot for shooting films.

In the 80s, the city and the surrounding areas were Bengali movie industry’s favoured shooting locales. That changed in the 90s. But now, it is the Bhojpuri film industry that is finding these areas suitable.

Explaining the trend, renowned bhajan singer Anup Jalota said: “The Bhojpuri industry is unlike the big budget Bollywood ventures. We do not require snow-clad mountains and big cities. We need a rural setting. Such locales are abundant in this region. Besides, Jamshedpur and surrounding areas are picturesque.”

His production, Ganga Tohre Des Ma, was shot here about a month ago and Jalota said he would be returning this year-end for another shoot.

Others who have come here include Om Prakash Yadav, an upcoming producer from Mumbai. He was here to scout for talents for his venture — likely to cast Ajay Devgan and Neha Dhupia — that would be shot here against a tribal backdrop. Several music videos and short films have also been shot in Jubilee Park, Dimna lake and other areas in the past six months. Next in line is a movie starring Manoj Tiwari. Beginning August, the entire Rs 1cr movie would be shot here.

Apart from the locations, low cost of production and the plentiful local talent and labour are also attracting moviemakers. Besides, the economy also gets a boost.

Agreeing that the cost factor is a magnet, Jalota said: “Yes, the low-cost factor is an attraction, and to make up for the poor infrastructure we even bring cooks along.”

Businessmen in the city, especially those in the hospitality industry, said the film industry could become a major revenue earner for them.

U.S. Gautam, manager at Hotel Prince in Sakchi, said: “On an average a movie crew has 80 to 90 members who stay at a place for 15-20 days. Naturally, hotels can earn a lot.”