James Bond `Octopussy` legacy haunts Udaipur, India
16-Nov-2006 • Bond News
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The city, with its palaces and bylanes, was the setting for the Bond classic Octopussy. Though it's been 20 years since Roger Moore came and left, Bond lives on in the bylanes of Updaipur.
The 1983 Bond hit Octopussy, played in cafes, restaurants and hotels, is a reminder to locals and tourists from the world over of the bonding between 007 and the stunning Rajasthan city.
It was by Lake Pichola and the 18th century royal summer place in the middle of it where Roger Moore came to shoot Octopussy. It was the den of Bond's bete noire, the beautiful Octopussy, played by Maud Adams.
The 1983 hit, shot in its exotic bazaars, palaces and forests made Udaipur a star tourist attraction in the 80s.
''I come from Denmark, and I had seen Octopussy in Denmark. So I was excited to see Udaipur,'' said a local.
Twenty-three years later, even today tour guides take visitors to places where 007 made a flamboyant entry or a breathtaking exit.
"We have been screening the film for years because it was shot in Udaipur and we want to refresh their memory. Tourists also keep demanding that we that we show the film," said Ashok Mehta, Owner, Gangaur restaurant.
''I saw Udaipur in Octopussy. And it is just as beautiful in real life,'' said another local.
For three months Roger Moore and the cast of the film stayed there, working with many locals leaving behind many stories.
Like Moore's memorable chase through this bazaar in an autorickshaw driven by Vijay Amritraj.
''There was one scene where an autorickshaw runs on the steps of Jagdish Temple, and even the jeep scene with the temple in the background. It was so thrilling. I remember every bit,'' said Kuldeep Singh, Assisted Octopussy unit.
Robin was a youngster when he was asked to play a small role he still remembers.
"My father also worked in the film. When Roger Moore is being chased by men on tuskers in Samor Baug, and he gives them the slip, my father spots him and yells, ''There he is!'' said Robin, who played a cameo in Octopussy.
Udaipur's original legendary hero is of course Rana Pratap. But the city of lakes seems to have found an updated icon.
Thanks to `Brokenclaw` for the alert.
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