Five Bollywood celebs and their UAE connection

Dubai - Bollywood truly strengthens the beautiful relationship that UAE and India share.

Thanks to these celebrities who see Dubai as nothing less than their second home.

UAE loves Bollywood, so it's no surprise that the country features in the travel list of Bollywood stars every now and then. Some celebrities have also even gone a step further to make UAE their home away from home.

From jetting to UAE for film launches, to promoting UAE brands, building their houses here and recreating Indian cinema at Bollywood Parks, these are just some of the ways Bollywood is connected to Dubai.

Leading actors such as Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Arbaaz Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone frequently visit the UAE for their films and promotions, and even promote local brands. Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan and Anil Kapoor also own property in the UAE.

1. Shah Rukh Khan

Nothing quite catches the frenzy of Bollywood fans in the UAE as much as the beloved Baadshah of Bollywood. The actor has gone on record several times calling Dubai his second home. In case you didn't know already, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan own a luxurious villa in Dubai's posh Palm Jumeirah. But his association with Dubai doesn't end there. Last year, he was roped in to promote the cosmopolitan in a series of short films.

"Dubai is a second home to me. Whether I am here (Dubai) on vacation with my family and friends, or my many business trips here for shoots, it's a city that I truly relate to on many levels - driven, passionate and spirited," the star said in an interview.

Shah Rukh featured in a #BeMyGuest film by Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), inviting people to be his "guest" at the city of sun, sand and adventure.

The film showcased why Dubai is the actor's home away from home.

He showed the soul, sights and sounds of the metropolis by experiencing different dimensions of Dubai and inviting people to "come with me, be my guest".

"Dubai offers endless experiences that stay with you forever. Whatever you want to do - an adrenaline-fuelled adventure like skydiving or a desert safari or a delicious culinary experience of tantalising flavours - and whether you're travelling with family, friends or as a couple, this city truly offers a complete holiday experience," Shah Rukh said in a statement.

He said working with Dubai Tourism has helped him "rediscover this inspiring city in a whole new way".

So how much impact has the campaign had so far? Some Bollywood stars have already accepted the invitation and began their new year by visiting Dubai.

Young stars, including Sushant Singh Rajput of 'Kai Po Che' fame and actress Parineeti Chopra visited Dubai earlier this month. Both took to Instagram to share their Dubai experience.

Commenting on the collaboration, Issam Kazim, CEO, DCTCM, said: "Shah Rukh Khan truly represents the beautiful relationship that Dubai and India share."

"In line with our vision of hosting 20 million visitors per year by 2020, our tourism efforts are increasing every year, with a major emphasis on the Indian market. We are excited to invite Indians from all over the world to experience Shah Rukh Khan's Dubai for themselves."

2. Salman Khan

The Sultan of Bollywood is a common sight on posters and hoardings along UAE roads. He has endorsed several UAE campaigns and brands -- Splash, the Middle East's high-street fashion retailer being one of them.

WATCH: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif shoot ad for Dubai's Splash

The actor has routinely been spotted in Dubai, strolling the malls and even while on vacation with rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur. This all goes on to show how much he's at home here.

From Dubai to India and beyond, if someone has a blind fan following of billions, that's Salman Khan. Just last month we learned about a Pakistani fan who bought a Dubai vehicle number plate bearing the Bollywood superstar's birthday: 27/12 under the 'S' series.

Also read: Pakistani fan to gift Salman Khan special number plate

Last year, the actor met His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at a glitzy reception organised by the UAE Embassy in Mumbai.

Also read: Superstar Salman Khan meets UAE's Mohammed bin Zayed

With hundreds in attendance, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince was clicked having a conversation with the stars.

His family also owns properties in Dubai. A number of his movies were filmed in the UAE, including Kick, Dabangg and Partner.

3. Shilpa Shetty

Bollywood actress, fitness enthusiast, business woman and a full-time mother Shilpa Shetty Kundra, confirmed to Khaleej Times in an interview that she sold her plush apartment at the iconic Burj Khalifa last year.

"I used to have a home in Dubai but we just very recently sold it. The place was very small; it's lovely to have a two-bedroom place when you don't have a child. But when you have a child, you want a bigger space," she said that time.

When asked about her plans to buy another house in Dubai, the actress said "We were looking for something else but we will figure it out. For people who do not come here more than twice a year, the house is just lying there. So I'd rather come and live at a plush hotel where everything is serviced. I use to travel with a full entourage, so it's easier and cheaper to go to a good hotel."

Besides being the brand ambassador of Danube Properties' real estate project, the actress keeps visiting Dubai to promote fitness campaigns. She launched her book 'The Great Indian Diet' in Dubai last year in the presence of Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

Shaikh Nahyan at the launch of "The Great Indian Diet " by Shilpa Shetty and Luke Countinho. (Photos by Juidin Bernarrd)

Along with yoga guru Suneel Singh, she led a two-day XYoga Dubai festival last year, the largest mass participation yoga session in the Middle East.

Approximately 9,000 yoga enthusiasts of all ages and from all walks of life gathered in Downtown Dubai for the opening event.

Also read: Thousands join Shilpa Shetty in XYoga Dubai festival

4. Anil Kapoor

This month, actor Anil Kapoor became the latest Bollywood celebrity to book a flat in Dubai. After buying a two-bedroom flat in the 'Ritz by Danube' housing project, he sought similar investments by fellow Indians.

Addressing a press conference in Dubai, the veteran actor told media persons how it was his 'Sindhi' wife Sunita Kapoor who okayed the deal in Mumbai a fortnight ago.

"I am an actor and must admit that I do not have that nose to smell business, but my better half being Sindhi is apt at it" he said amid guffaws from those he was addressing, according to an IANS report.

Calling Dubai his "second home" which over the years had endeared itself to him and his family, he said the "deal appeared lucrative" as real estate was set to appreciate in value in the city owing to the World Expo-2020.

He said Danube Group chairman Rizwan Sajan informed them about Spanish technology being used in the project to optimise the use of space, which was another reason to go in for the buy.

Besides owning a flat here, Kapoor keeps visiting Dubai every year for award shows, filming and promotion of his movies -- 'Welcome Back' being one of them.

5. Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan

The villa of Bollywood's 'dream woman' is no less than a dream come true.

The mansion, developed by Shaikh Holdings, is situated in the upscale Sanctuary Falls. The 97-villa project overlooks the Earth course, an 18-hole championship golf course, according to The Times of India.

Take a look at the 'palace' that Aishwarya and Abhishek are proud owners of.

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