സ്കോട്ട്ലൻഡിൽ സിനിമകൾ ചിത്രീകരിക്കുന്നതിനെക്കുറിച്ച് ചർച്ച ചെയ്യാൻ ഫസ്റ്റ് മിനിസ്റ്റർ ജോൺ സ്വിന്നി കരൺ ജോഹറിന്റെ ധർമ്മ പ്രൊഡക്ഷൻസ് സന്ദർശിച്ചു. സ്കോട്ട്ലൻഡിന്റെ സൗകര്യങ്ങളും സാങ്കേതിക മികവും അദ്ദേഹം വിശദീകരിച്ചു. 'കുച്ച് കുച്ച് ഹോത്താ ഹേ' ചിത്രീകരണ കാലത്തെ ഓർമ്മകൾ പങ്കുവെച്ച കരൺ ജോഹർ, ഇരുരാജ്യങ്ങളും തമ്മിലുള്ള സിനിമാ ബന്ധം ശക്തിപ്പെടുത്തുമെന്ന് വ്യക്തമാക്ക
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney recently visited the Mumbai office of Dharma Productions, where he met filmmaker-producer Karan Johar and the banner’s CEO, Apoorva Mehta, to discuss potential collaborations between Scotland and the Indian film industry. The meeting focused on exploring long-term opportunities for Indian productions to shoot in Scotland and strengthening the cinematic ties between the two regions.
Scotland First Minister John Swinney visits Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions to explore Bollywood collaborations
Accompanied by delegates from Screen Scotland, Swinney highlighted Scotland’s filming infrastructure, skilled technical crews and financial incentives aimed at attracting international productions. The discussions also explored the country’s potential as a filming destination for upcoming Indian films and streaming projects.
The meeting held particular significance for Karan Johar, given his long-standing association with Scotland through his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). The film’s iconic title track featured picturesque Scottish locations, including Eilean Donan Castle, Blackrock Cottage and Tantallon Castle, which became part of the film’s visual identity.
Sharing photographs from the meeting on social media, Karan expressed his happiness at hosting the Scottish First Minister at Dharma Productions and recalled his experience of shooting in the country. He wrote, “It was such an honour to have the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney (@john_swinney_snp) visit our home, our office and our world at @dharmamovies! It took me back to shooting my first film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai where we shot some iconic sequences and scenes in the beautiful backdrop of Scotland. We spoke avidly about my memories and experience and conversed about how we could deepen the friendship between the two countries in the cinematic field. It was a pleasure and more, thank you for gracing us with your presence.”
Beyond the Dharma Productions visit, the diplomatic tour included an industry roundtable organised in partnership with the Producers Guild of India. The meeting brought together senior Indian film producers, studio representatives and members of Scotland’s screen sector to discuss co-production opportunities, creative exchange programmes and logistical support for Indian productions filming overseas.
The initiative reflects efforts to strengthen international collaboration as Indian filmmakers increasingly explore overseas locations for theatrical releases and streaming projects. With Scotland looking to attract more international productions, the discussions could open up further opportunities for Indian filmmakers to explore its landscapes and production facilities for future projects.