Siddhartha is a film based on the novel of the same name

Siddhartha (novel)

Siddhartha is a novel by Hermann Hesse that deals with the spiritual journey of an Indian man named Siddhartha during the time of the Buddha.The book, Hesse's ninth novel , was written in German, in a simple, powerful, and lyrical style. It was published in the U.S. in 1951 and became influential...

 by Herman Hesse, directed by Conrad Rooks

Conrad Rooks

Conrad Rooks , is an American writer, director and producer most renown for his 1972 filmed adaptation of Herman Hess's novel Siddhartha.Rooks is an heir to the Avon Products cosmetics fortune....

. It was shot on location in Northern India, and features work by noted cinematographer Sven Nykvist

Sven Nykvist

Sven Vilhem Nykvist was a Swedish cinematographer. He worked on over 120 films, but is known especially for his work with director Ingmar Bergman...

.

The locations used for the film were the holy city of Rishikesh and the private estates and palaces of the Maharajah of Bharatpur

Bharatpur, India

Bharatpur is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733. Located in the Brij region, Bharatpur was once an impregnable, well-planned and well-fortified city, and the capital of Jat kingdom ruled by Sinsinwar Maharajas.The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg and...

. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070689/locations.

Plot

The film tells the story of the young Siddhartha (played by Shashi Kapoor), born in a rich family, and his search for a meaningful way of life. This search takes him through periods of harsh asceticism, sensual pleasures, material wealth, then self-revulsion and eventually to the oneness and harmony with himself that he had been seeking. Siddhartha learns that the secret of life cannot be passed on from one person to another, but must be achieved through inner experience.

Controversy

Simi Garewal

Simi Garewal

Simi Garewal is an Indian actress. She is known for her work in Mera Naam Joker, Siddhartha and Karz.-Early life:Simi Garewal was born in a Jatt Sikh family in Delhi, her father, J S Garewal served in the army rising to the rank of brigadier...

's nude scene caused controversy in India. The Indian Censor Board, at that time, did not even permit on-screen kissing in Indian films. http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/sep/21sid.htm.