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

The longstanding connection between Indian cinema and New Zealand will be honored this November as renowned choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan visits Aotearoa to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the beloved Bollywood film Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. This iconic film, which was shot in New Zealand in 1999, became one of the highest-grossing films in India in 2000, with estimates indicating that over 500 million people have viewed it. The film’s stunning portrayal of New Zealand’s landscapes contributed to a significant rise in Indian tourism to the country between 2001 and 2002.

On November 5, 2025, the Film India Screen Collective (FISC), founded by Petrina D’Rozario and supported by Screen Auckland, will host a special screening of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai at Hoyts, Sylvia Park in Auckland. Farah Khan will be the guest of honour at this event, celebrating not only the film’s legacy but also the ongoing cultural exchange between India and New Zealand.

Farah Khan’s Enthusiasm for Aotearoa

“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,” Farah Khan expressed. She emphasized the significance of this visit, stating, “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. Knowing it has found a home in the hearts of Kiwi audiences makes it a special visit.” This celebration also marks the initial steps toward establishing the proposed 2026 Indian Film Festival of New Zealand, which aims to further enhance the collaboration between the two nations.

Petrina D’Rozario highlighted the increasing popularity of Indian cinema in New Zealand, noting that Indian films have generated over $30 million at local box offices over the past five years. “India produces almost 2,700 films every year, and our aim is to attract more of these to be filmed here,” she stated. “It’s about weaving a vibrant thread of Indian culture into the beautiful tapestry of Aotearoa.” The upcoming film festival is anticipated to further strengthen this cultural bond.

Significance of Film in Cultural Exchange

Matt Horrocks, Manager of Screen Auckland, underscored the importance of the film industry in fostering connections between New Zealand and India. “New Zealand and India share a long and valued history of collaboration across our screen industries. The filming of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai marked a milestone in that relationship,” he said. Horrocks noted that Farah Khan’s visit represents an excellent opportunity to reconnect with India’s creative community and celebrate the partnerships that make filming in Aotearoa special.

With nearly 65,000 visitor arrivals from India to Auckland in the past year, the film industry plays a crucial role in promoting New Zealand’s stories, landscapes, and culture to an international audience.

Since her work on Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Farah Khan has emerged as a significant figure in India’s film industry, excelling as a writer, director, and producer. Her directorial project Om Shanti Om, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, was both a critical and commercial triumph. Recently, she has expanded her influence to social media, with her YouTube channel Food with Farah amassing nearly 800 million views.

During her time in Auckland, Farah will film an episode for her channel, highlighting the region to her global audience. Her itinerary includes a cooking expedition at Velskov, a native forest farm in Parau, west Auckland. She will also visit notable locations such as Hobbiton, Waitomo Cave, and Hamilton Gardens in collaboration with Waikato Screen.

This event not only celebrates cinematic history but also reinforces the enduring cultural and creative ties between India and New Zealand. The legacy of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai continues to resonate, paving the way for future collaborations and the growth of Indian cinema within New Zealand.