Sound of music in Hungary
Sushant Singh Rajput landed in Budapest in the second week of April for a two month schedule of Dinesh Vijan's directorial debut, Raabta. Capital and the largest city of Hungary, Budapest is also one of the largest cities in the European Union and is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial and transportation centre, sometimes described as the primate city of Hungary. According to a 2011 census Budapest had 1.74 million inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2.1 million due to suburbanisation. Sushant's insider account of the city.
NOBODY'S ISLAND
The locals told me that April, May and June are the hottest months in Budapest but for me it was pretty cool. Sometimes the nights were freezing while it poured on some days. I saw all weathers during our three-month stay in Hungary.
In fact, I arrived in Budapest two weeks before Raabta rolled and the first thing that I did was hire a small boat. I went north for around two hours and reached this hill-shaped island which had absolutely no one living on it. Bliss! I went there at least five times during my stay.
ALMOST BOUGHT PROPERTY
This picturesque city has many tourist attractions including the Buda Castle, a historical palace built on the Southern tip of Castle Hill which is a heritage site and a must-visit. I also went to a Picasso exhibition, the Fisherman's Bastion, the Funicular and just took a walk. It was a day well spent. We also took a ride in the Millennium Underground Railway, the second-oldest metro line in the world. It was a little claustrophobic but everything worked like clockwork! I saw almost everything several times, including the chain bridge, the Opera House, the Parliament, Matthias church and the Thermal Bath. I was so much in love with the city that I almost bought property there!
THE GUARDS DON'T MOVE!
Budapest has the third largest Parliament building and we shot there. The guards in front are amazing. They just don't move! The locals are really chilled out. They would stop for a bit, quietly watch the shoot, smile at you and then carry on with their business. I was never mobbed and it was a pleasure walking on streets without being under scrutiny.
There were times when I would meet an Indian or someone from the Middle-East who would recognise us and get excited.
But these occasions were few and far apart. Even the local crew was extremely professional and knew exactly what they were supposed to do and didn't interfere with the other teams. They would do a 360-degree flip or axis lighting so seamlessly that you wouldn't even catch on.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
I really miss my hotel room. The Marriott is right next to the river and I would sit on the balcony with lots of coffee, learn to play the guitar or just breathe. It was the best room with the view.
Budapest is known for its night life and I went bar-hopping many times. They play the most amazing music. It's like the whole city is on streets and out to have a good time. Hungarians really know how to celebrate life.
I rented out a bicycle only to realise that it would have been cheaper to buy one. With my headphones and my backpack, I would leave the hotel and cycle for hours aimlessly, just exploring the city. I loved the sugary treats that you get on the street. Among restaurants that I loved for their fine Italian food, Pestbuda bistro was a favourite. I had the most delicious ice cream in Budapest.
We used to work out in the hotel's gym. My trainer Samee travels with me so the workout was a mix of functional and weights.
GUITAR GIFT TO MYSELF
I went for a concert by the legendary German composer Hans Zimmer. I am a huge fan and to see the magician work his magic in front of your eyes is an experience! It was unforgettable.
Homi Adajania's son Zane is the coolest rockstar I've met. He has a natural swag and knows how to sing, but it's very difficult to impress him. I tried my best and almost became his best friend. I'm really proud of myself! Also, one day I was shooting an emotional scene and was slightly low. I turned and saw this pretty little child with the most amazing smile looking at me. We didn't speak each other's language but bonded instantly.
She was Tara, my stunt coordinator's daughter. We even went to Vienna and Croatia. I came back with just a Spanish guitar and lots of memories.
and will miss you Mauritius!... https://www.instagram.com/p/BJQfXNegbkK/ 
@kritisanon #maddock @Anaita_Adajania @TSeries
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