The vibrancy of Bollywood lit up Hoyts Sylvia Park in early November with a special 25th anniversary screening of Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (Say It Is Love).
Among the guests was Bollywood icon and guest of honour Farah Khan – the celebrated choreographer behind the film’s unforgettable dance numbers – alongside Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, and Annie Murray, CEO, New Zealand Film Commission.
Left to right: Aldrin Thayalakal, Auckland Council; Matthew Horrocks, Screen Auckland; Farah Khan; Hon Louise Upston; Annie Dundas and Ken Pereira, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
A film that captured hearts and New Zealand’s landscapes
Filmed in Aotearoa New Zealand, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai was a box office phenomenon and one of India’s top-grossing films of 2000. It’s estimated that half of India’s population, more than 500 million people, have seen the movie, which put New Zealand on the map as a filming and tourism destination. Following its release, visitor arrivals from India surged between 2001 and 2002 as audiences sought to experience the country they had seen on screen.
It feels especially meaningful to be here
Farah shared her excitement about visiting Aotearoa for the first time.
“I am thrilled to be visiting Aotearoa for the very first time. It’s a beautiful and film-friendly country I’ve long wanted to experience. It feels especially meaningful to be here to celebrate 25 years of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, a film I have so many fond memories of. To know it has found a home in the hearts of Kiwi audiences makes it a special visit.”
Her visit also marked an early step towards the proposed 2026 Indian Film Festival of New Zealand, a celebration of the shared creative connection between the two countries.
Reconnecting through film
The anniversary screening was hosted by the Film India Screen Collective, an initiative led by Petrina D’Rozario and supported by Screen Auckland, the regional film office for Tāmaki Makaurau. The event brought together local and international guests to celebrate the milestone and strengthen creative and cultural ties.
Screen Auckland Manager Matthew Horrocks says the occasion highlighted a long and valued partnership between the Indian and New Zealand screen industries.
“The filming of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai marked a milestone in the relationship between Aotearoa and India. Farah Khan’s visit offers a terrific opportunity to reconnect with India’s creative community and celebrate the partnerships that make filming in New Zealand so special. India is also an increasingly important visitor market for Auckland – with nearly 65,000 arrivals from India in the past year – and film is one of the most powerful ways to share our stories, landscapes and culture with international audiences.”
Looking ahead: a festival and future collaborations
Petrina D’Rozario says the momentum is strong.
“Indian movies screening in New Zealand have secured more than $30 million at our box office over the last five years. India produces almost 2700 films every year, and our aim is to attract more of these to be filmed here. It’s about weaving a vibrant thread of Indian culture into the beautiful tapestry of Aotearoa. The Indian Film Festival being planned for 2026 will take that relationship into an exciting new future.”
A creator and influencer with global reach
Since Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Farah Khan has become one of India’s most recognised creative voices, directing hits such as Om Shanti Om, producing television and online content, and amassing nearly 800 million YouTube views through her popular channel Food with Farah.
While in Tāmaki Makaurau, she filmed an episode of the series, showcasing Auckland to her global audience, including a highlight visit to Velskov, a native forest farm in Parau, west Auckland.
