The Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (second left) with cast from Bollywood film Santa Banta being shot here. From left: Veer Dass, Neha Dhupia, Boman Irani, director Akashdeep Sabri and actress Lisa Haydon during the official launch of the Santa Banta movie at Port Denarau in Nadi last Monday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
BY ARISHMA DEVI
and SHEIK DEAN
The most recent Bollywood film being shot in Fiji, Santa Banta, has a budget of $4.5 million.
This was revealed by executive director of Global Business and Legal Consultancy, Padmakumar Nair who is one of the local producers of the film.
“The Bollywood comedy film Santa Banta which is now being shot at our shores with some of the most renowned actors and actresses has a budget of Fijian $4.5 million,” he said.
Bollywood investment
Mr Nair said this showed a good intention of Bollywood investing in Fiji assuring that Santa Banta will see positive results at the global box office.
“The movie has a different genre with a cast of well-known comedy faces of B-town such as Boman Irani, Neha Dhupia, Sanjay Mishra and others.”
Locals employed
As of yesterday, Mr Nair said 60 locals were employed during the shooting of the film.
“Santa Banta crew has hired services from more than five hotels and resorts, rental car businesses and bus companies from the West to which the locals see a high turnover.”
Government commended
Mr Nair thanked the Government for the support they provided in promoting Fiji in Bollywood.
Film shooting schedule
The third shoot of the film continued at Port Denarau’s private beach and golf course on Friday.
The country has welcomed two other comedy actors, Sanjay Mishra and Johnny Lever, to the 80-member-crew as they are also part of the shoot.
The shooting of the film will continue in the West until this week after which the crew will head to Suva for more shoots.