New Zealand shines in Bollywood movie

New Zealand has been given a big ‘thumbs up’ by two of Bollywood’s hottest stars.

Sonam Kapoor and Imran Khan feature in Bollywood’s latest big budget production - I Hate Luv Storys which was partly shot in Queenstown and premieres this week.

The typical Bollywood movie is full of dance sequences, music and love, and both stars have said that their New Zealand experience was one they would never forget.

"I've travelled the world but I'd never been to New Zealand before," Kapoor says in the publicity.

"The landscape is spectacular and very diverse. We drive short distances and the dramatic scenery changes from steep mountains and lakes to green fields and river canyons. The people are extremely warm and friendly. And I love the food."

Mountain adventures
Once filming was completed, Khan and Kapoor took time off for a day full of adventures included skydiving, jetboating and a helicopter flight to a mountain-top gourmet lunch.

Actor Khan says Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places he's been too.

"Absolutely, everywhere you go, the place is sparklingly clean, the wildlife nature is just completely untouched and it's really nice to see that people care that much about their country," he says in publicity material.

"After filming continuously for a little over two weeks, we had two off days to try out some tourism activities. I'm a bit of a speed freak, so the jet boat ride felt amazing.

"Though it's one of the coolest things I have ever done, the highlight for me has been skydiving. This is something that I have always wanted to do all my life!"

Picture perfect
Director Punit Malhotra said the crew had enjoyed New Zealand.

"There is great food, great people and great locations. You just need to open the window of your hotel room and look into the lake; and you would want to spend the rest of your life here!

"My film ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ needed this - picture perfect, postcard locations. No matter where you put the camera, the shot always looked stunning!" Malhotra said.

"I came in here because New Zealand is a pretty country and we wanted to tap all the resources - shoot on the brown mountains, green fields as well as snow capped mountains. The New Zealand crew was also very co-operative and accommodating.

"Our schedule went haywire at times, but it was very easy to get permissions. I am going back a happy man! We plan to take the movie all over the world and audiences will be bowled over by New Zealand's simple beauty."

More information
Bollywood comes to Queenstown