Farah Khan Celebrates 25 Years of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai in New Zealand

The relationship between Indian cinema and New Zealand is poised for celebration this November, marking the 25th anniversary of the iconic Bollywood film Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Renowned choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan will visit Aotearoa to commemorate the landmark occasion. Having been filmed in New Zealand in 1999, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai became one of the highest-grossing films of 2000 in India, with estimates suggesting it has been viewed by over 500 million people in the country. The film not only showcased New Zealand’s stunning landscapes but also sparked a significant increase in Indian tourists visiting the country between 2001 and 2002.

A special screening of the film will take place on November 5, 2025, at Hoyts, Sylvia Park in Auckland, organized by the Film India Screen Collective (FISC), which is led by Petrina D’Rozario and supported by Screen Auckland. Farah Khan, who is celebrated for her choreography in the film, will be the guest of honour at the event.

“I am thrilled to be visiting Aotearoa for the very first time,” Khan expressed. “It’s a beautiful and film-friendly country I’ve long wanted to experience. Celebrating 25 years of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, a film that holds so many fond memories for me, is especially meaningful. It’s wonderful to know it has found a home in the hearts of Kiwi audiences. This event marks the first step towards building the proposed 2026 Indian Film Festival of New Zealand, which aims to celebrate our shared connection and foster new creative collaborations.”

Growing Popularity of Indian Cinema in New Zealand

D’Rozario emphasized the increasing interest in Indian films in New Zealand, noting that these films have grossed more than $30 million at local box offices over the past five years. “India produces nearly 2,700 films each year, and we strive to attract more of these productions to be filmed here,” she stated. “Our goal is to weave a vibrant thread of Indian culture into the beautiful tapestry of Aotearoa. The upcoming Indian Film Festival will be a pivotal event, ushering in an exciting new phase for our relationship.”

Matt Horrocks, the Manager of Screen Auckland, acknowledged the deep-rooted collaboration between the two nations in the film industry. “New Zealand and India share a long and valued history of cooperation in our screen sectors. The filming of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai marked a significant milestone in that relationship. Farah Khan’s visit provides a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with India’s creative community and celebrate the partnerships that enhance filming in Aotearoa. Moreover, India has become an increasingly important market for Auckland, with nearly 65,000 visitors arriving from India in the past year. Film is a powerful medium to share our stories and culture with global audiences.”

Farah Khan’s Expanding Influence

Since the release of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Farah Khan has solidified her status as a major figure in the Indian film industry, known for her work as a writer, director, and producer. Her film Om Shanti Om, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Recently, she has broadened her reach through social media, with her YouTube channel, Food with Farah, amassing nearly 800 million views.

During her stay in Auckland, Khan plans to film an episode for her YouTube channel, highlighting the region’s charm to her international audience. Her itinerary includes a cooking expedition at Velskov, a native forest farm in Parau, as well as visits to notable attractions such as Hobbiton, Waitomo Cave, and Hamilton Gardens in collaboration with Waikato Screen.

The upcoming event is set to be not just a celebration of cinematic history, but also a testament to the enduring cultural and creative ties between India and New Zealand. As the two nations continue to strengthen their bond through film, the future looks promising for collaborative endeavors in the arts.