Farah Khan Celebrates 25 Years of Bollywood in New Zealand

The bond between Indian cinema and New Zealand will be highlighted this November as renowned choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan visits Aotearoa to mark the 25th anniversary of the Bollywood classic Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Filmed in New Zealand in 1999, this blockbuster became one of the top-grossing films in India in 2000, reportedly viewed by over 500 million people. The film showcased New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, contributing to a significant increase in Indian tourists from 2001 to 2002.

To celebrate this milestone, the Film India Screen Collective (FISC), led by Petrina D’Rozario and supported by Screen Auckland, will host a special screening of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai on November 5, 2025, at Hoyts, Sylvia Park in Auckland. Farah Khan, who choreographed the film’s famous dance sequences, will be the guest of honour at the event.

“I am thrilled to be visiting Aotearoa for the very first time,” Farah Khan said. “It’s a beautiful and film-friendly country I’ve long wanted to experience. Celebrating 25 years of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai here is incredibly meaningful, and knowing it has found a home in the hearts of Kiwi audiences makes this visit special. This event marks the first step towards building the proposed 2026 Indian Film Festival of New Zealand, a celebration of our shared connection and the beginning of new creative collaborations.”

The growing popularity of Indian cinema in New Zealand is evident. D’Rozario noted that Indian films have generated over $30 million at the New Zealand box office in the past five years. “India produces nearly 2,700 films each year, and we aim to attract more of these productions to our shores. We are weaving a vibrant thread of Indian culture into Aotearoa’s beautiful tapestry,” she explained.

Matt Horrocks, Manager of Screen Auckland, emphasized the importance of the film industry in strengthening ties between the two nations. “New Zealand and India share a long and valued history of collaboration in our screen industries. The filming of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai marked a significant milestone in that relationship. Farah Khan’s visit offers a tremendous opportunity to reconnect with India’s creative community and celebrate the partnerships that make filming in Aotearoa New Zealand so special. India is also a growing visitor market for Auckland, with nearly 65,000 arrivals from India in the past year.”

Since Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Farah Khan has established herself as a leading figure in India’s film industry, excelling as a writer, director, and producer. Her film Om Shanti Om, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, achieved both critical and commercial success. More recently, she has embraced social media, with her YouTube channel Food with Farah amassing nearly 800 million views.

During her visit to Auckland, Farah will film an episode for her channel, presenting the region to her international audience. Highlights of her trip include a cooking expedition at Velskov, a native forest farm in Parau, west Auckland, as well as visits to iconic locations such as Hobbiton, Waitomo Cave, and Hamilton Gardens with Waikato Screen.

This event not only commemorates cinematic history but also reinforces the enduring cultural and creative ties between India and New Zealand. The anticipation surrounding Farah Khan’s visit signals an exciting chapter for the future of Indian cinema in Aotearoa.