Aamir Khan, Vidya Balan & Bollywood Filmmakers Discuss New Zealand as a Prime Destination for Indian Films
In an exciting development for the Indian film industry, Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Vidya Balan, along with prominent producers and filmmakers Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ronnie Screwvala, and Ashutosh Gowariker, recently met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The meeting focused on exploring the possibilities of strengthening collaborations between India and New Zealand in the entertainment sector, specifically by encouraging Indian films to be shot in the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand.
Prime Minister Luxon took to Instagram to share a selfie with Aamir Khan, Vidya Balan, and other Bollywood insiders. Expressing his enthusiasm, he captioned the post, “The film scene brings money into our economy, creating jobs and growing incomes – and I want to see more of that. So it was great to catch up with a few Bollywood stars to get their thoughts on what more we can do!” This statement highlights New Zealand’s interest in attracting Bollywood productions, which can significantly contribute to the country’s economy by boosting tourism and generating employment opportunities.
Vidya Balan also shared the selfie on her Instagram stories, expressing her delight at meeting the Prime Minister. The viral photo sparked curiosity and excitement among fans, with many speculating about upcoming Indian movies being shot in New Zealand. Given the country’s breathtaking landscapes and cinematic appeal, this collaboration could open doors for large-scale Bollywood productions to leverage New Zealand’s exotic locales for storytelling.
According to reports from leading news portals, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon personally invited Bollywood filmmakers and actors to discuss the potential of New Zealand as a preferred destination for Indian cinema. This move aligns with New Zealand’s rich history of hosting global film productions, including legendary Hollywood franchises like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar, which were filmed in the country’s stunning locations.
While this initiative could mark a new era of Indo-Kiwi cinematic collaboration, Indian filmmakers have already utilized New Zealand’s scenic beauty for past productions. Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel’s 2000 blockbuster Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai showcased mesmerizing visuals shot in Queenstown and Christchurch. Similarly, the romantic film I Hate Luv Storys, starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor, featured striking waterfront scenes filmed in Queenstown. Additionally, Kannappa had segments shot in Wanaka, and Game Changer, featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, also included New Zealand in its filming schedule.
With this recent discussion between Bollywood’s elite and New Zealand’s Prime Minister, the future looks promising for a strong film partnership between the two nations. Fans eagerly await announcements regarding upcoming projects that could be filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s landscapes. Stay tuned for more updates, and for exclusive video news, visit our YouTube channel THE OLIGO.
