There are places that don’t just tell stories — they breathe them. ND Studio, Karjat, is one such space. Our journey began early in the morning, departing from Bandra at 8 am, with the city slowly giving way to lush landscapes as we headed towards Karjat. By the time we arrived just before 10 am, the tone for the day was already set — calm, curious, and filled with anticipation.
This specially curated familiarisation trip for media professionals, influencers, and tour operators organised by the Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation was designed to reintroduce us to one of India’s most iconic film studios — a space that has quietly shaped the visual language of Indian and global cinema for decades. What unfolded was far more than a studio visit; it was a deeply immersive, almost surreal experience that reaffirmed ND Studio’s mythical stature in the world of filmmaking.
Conceived by the legendary Shri Nitin Chandrakant Desai, ND Studio stands as a testament to vision, scale, and imagination. From the regal opulence of Jodhaa Akbar and Bajirao Mastani to the timeless aesthetics of Lagaan and Devdas, and even Hollywood’s Slumdog Millionaire, the studio’s creative footprint spans borders and generations. Television audiences, too, instantly recognise its legacy through long-running shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati and Bigg Boss across multiple seasons.
Inside ND Studio: Palaces, Fortresses & Living Worlds of Cinema
After a warm welcome and a hearty breakfast, the guided tour began — unfolding across ND Studio’s sprawling 47-acre landscape, where cinema feels less constructed and more lived in. Walking through the studio is like stepping through multiple eras of storytelling, each zone revealing the sheer scale and imagination that defined Nitin Desai’s extraordinary vision.
Palaces, Mahals & Fortresses
The journey opens amidst cinematic royalty. The monumental Jodhaa Akbar set, a grand recreation of a 16th-century Mughal fort, impresses with its vast courtyards, towering walls, and regal symmetry. Close by, the Shaniwar Wada set, steeped in Marathi architectural heritage, echoes the historic power and elegance seen in Bajirao Mastani. The expansive Agra Fort complex, complete with the iconic Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas, stands as a masterclass in Mughal grandeur, while the opulent Prem Ratan Dhan Payo palace showcases cinematic scale and drama at its finest. Adding a touch of enchantment is the Sheesh Mahal, where intricate mirror work and detailed carvings shimmer with timeless royal opulence, still standing proud and mystical.
Television’s Most Recognisable Sets
From historical spectacle, the tour transitions seamlessly into pop-culture nostalgia. Walking through areas associated with Kaun Banega Crorepati instantly evokes memories of iconic television moments, while the ever-evolving Bigg Boss House highlights the studio’s continued relevance in contemporary entertainment. These sets underline ND Studio’s rare ability to move effortlessly between period cinema and modern television storytelling.
Rural Landscapes & Living Villages
Balancing grandeur with grounded realism is a beautifully crafted ancient rural village set, complete with a tranquil lake, a traditional well, and rustic homes that feel remarkably lived in. This zone captures the soul of rural India, blurring the line between set and reality. Scattered across the outdoor landscape, gigantic elephant sculptures stand in symbolic welcome, while miniature replicas of India’s iconic monuments offer delightful, Insta-worthy moments of discovery.
Together, these worlds — royal, contemporary, and rustic — create an experience that goes far beyond a studio tour. ND Studio emerges not merely as a filming location, but as a living archive of Indian cinema, craftsmanship, and imagination.
Celebrating Culture: Maharashtra’s Artistic Soul on Display
Post the immersive tour, the afternoon unfolded with a spellbinding cultural showcase, celebrating Maharashtra’s rich artistic heritage. Powerful Lavani performances, soulful songs, and expressive dances by local artists held the audience in rapt attention, adding a cultural rhythm to the cinematic surroundings. It was a poignant reminder that ND Studio has always been as much about celebrating culture as it is about creating cinema.
The programme continued with a traditional diya-lighting ceremony, led by dignitaries and prominent members of the film and television fraternity, followed by a felicitation ceremony recognising individuals for their contributions towards promoting the entertainment industry and supporting the revival and renewed functioning of ND Studio. The atmosphere was reflective, proud, and filled with renewed purpose.
Equally encouraging was the glimpse into the studio’s future roadmap. ND Studio plans to open its doors to students across various stages of filmmaking — from pre-production and production to post-production — while also offering select students opportunities to gain hands-on exposure and meaningful industry placements. Under the stewardship of the Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation, the management expressed strong optimism about reviving the studio’s lost glory while continuing to honour the visionary legacy of its founder, Shri Nitin Chandrakant Desai.
A Festive Carnival Amidst Cinematic Wonder
The day concluded on a warm note with a sumptuous local lunch, after which we bid farewell to the studio — carrying with us not just memories, but a thoughtfully curated takeaway gift as a reminder of the experience.
As the visit drew to a close, it became clear that ND Studio isn’t just about revisiting the past — it’s about reimagining how cinema can be experienced today. That vision comes alive through the upcoming ND Studio Christmas Carnival, scheduled from December 25 to 31.
Visitors can look forward to a thoughtfully curated day featuring games, live entertainment, interactive zones, celebrity interactions, and festive cheer — all set against legendary cinematic backdrops. Designed for families, film enthusiasts, students, and tourists, the carnival promises moments of wonder, nostalgia, and discovery, complete with inclusive dining experiences.
As the year draws to a close, ND Studio’s Christmas Carnival offers a rare opportunity to step inside cinematic history, celebrate culture, and witness a legendary space rediscover its rhythm.
📍 Plan Your Visit: ND Studio, Karjat
Upcoming Highlight:
🎄 ND Studio Christmas Carnival
📅 December 25 – 31, 2025
🕙 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Getting There:
Approx. 2 hours from Mumbai. Ideal for a day trip or weekend outing.
Best accessed via road from Mumbai, with scenic views along the way.
What You’ll Experience:
• Walk through iconic film & TV sets
• Fun Games, Magic Show, Trampoline, 360-degree selfie booth, Pottery, Tattoo Art
• Street Parade with Filmy Characters, Chance to meet Celebrities
• Live entertainment & cultural performances
• Exciting Prizes to be won among other activities.
Who Should Visit:
Families • Film & TV lovers • Students of cinema • Tourists • Content creators
Best Time to Visit:
Morning hours for guided tours and photography
December is ideal for festive experiences
Tickets & Booking:
🎟️ Available online and offline : Contact : +91-895622151 / 55
🌐 Book online at www.ndartworld.com
Superb ❤️
Seasons Greetings and Many thanks for your kind words Shilpa.
Good work…amazing content
Seasons Greetings Reemana. Thank you for the kind words. We are so glad you found the content interesting – please keep reading, it is such feedback which keeps us going strong!