Patna: Bollywood actor Esha Deol has called for a more positive portrayal of Bihar in Indian cinema, saying the image often presented in films does not reflect the state’s people or culture.
Speaking during a visit to Patna, Deol said Bihar has been unfairly stereotyped on screen and expressed hope that filmmakers would increasingly choose the state as a shooting destination.
Meets Deputy Chief Minister
During her visit on Sunday, Deol met Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary at his official residence, where she was welcomed and felicitated.
Sharing photographs of the meeting on social media platform X, Choudhary said he had welcomed the actor on her arrival in Bihar.
प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्री ईशा देओल जी के बिहार आगमन पर लोकसेवक आवास में उनका स्वागत एवं अभिनंदन किया। pic.twitter.com/oFk019PXuE
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) July 19, 2026
Offers Prayers At The Ganga
The actor also visited Patna’s Ganga Ghat and J P Ganga Path, where she offered prayers while holding the holy waters of the Ganges.
“I have prayed to Mother Ganga that everything goes well, everyone stays happy, and Bihar progresses,” she said.
Praises Patna’s Marine Drive
Deol described Patna’s riverfront as one of the highlights of her visit, praising its clean surroundings and green spaces.
“Marine Drive is wonderful. If I lived here, I would wake up every morning and go jogging here. The atmosphere is very clean, the roads are excellent, and there is plenty of greenery,” she said.
Calls For Better Representation Of Bihar
Reflecting on Bihar’s portrayal in Bollywood, Deol said films often fail to capture the state’s true character.
“The image of Bihar shown in films is not accurate. The people here are wonderful, and that should be reflected positively in cinema,” she said.
The actor added that her parents had filmed several successful movies in Bihar and had always spoken highly of the state.
“We internalise what we learn from our parents, and they have always spoken positively about Bihar,” she said.
Hopes More Films Will Be Shot In Bihar
Deol said she hoped more film productions would choose Bihar as a location in the future, adding that she would be happy to return to the state.
Concluding her visit, she greeted people with the slogan: “Jai Bihar, Har-Har Gange.”
