Press release from NSW Government
Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts, Virginia Judge today announced a highprofile Bollywood movie will begin shooting in Sydney next month, creating 200 jobs for cast and crew. The movie – a remake of the US hit Step Mom – features Bollywood stars Kareen Kapoor and Kajal.
“This movie will take Sydney to Bollywood – and an audience of more than one billion people,” Ms Judge said.
“This is the first Australian production from one of Bollywood’s most iconic film makers and principal of Dharma Productions, Karan Johar,” Ms Judge said.
“We are excited to showcase the very best that Australia has to offer and we hope to bring back some of the infectious spirit and charm that has become synonymous with Australia and Australians,” Mr Johar said.
Dharma has hired Sydney-based Temple, the biggest Australian film company working with India, as the Australian production company.
“Temple is delighted to be the Australian Production Company for Dharma’s first major venture in Australia,” Anupam Sharma, Sydney based film maker and head of Temple, said.
“Dharma’s project in Australia is a big boost for Indo-Australian film links and a further endorsement for the extremely film friendly reputation of NSW.” “We look forward to the same level of cooperation and professionalism from Screen NSW and the government that has been bestowed on us in the past to facilitate a productive, efficient, and enjoyable shoot in Sydney,” Dharma CEO, Apoorva Mehta said.
"A film friendly place with the best locales worldwide all in one city and suited to the requirements of my script,” Director Siddhartha Malhotra said.
“Besides, one needs to work with good people so what better place than Sydney – NSW!” he said.!