Dubai’s Bollywood invasion continues to gain momentum. Soon after Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani and Sonu Sood got down to work on Monday for the much-anticipated Dubai-set film Happy New Year being filmed at Atlantis, The Palm, India’s top designer Manish Malhotra has also joined the star-studded team.
Though not much has been revealed, our guess is that he will put together the wardrobe for the film’s heroine, Padukone. The two had famous sartorial success after working together in blockbusters such as Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
“I share a strong connection with her ... I share a wonderful relationship with her. We do have disagreements but eventually Deepika gives in. So far, her look in every film we have worked together has managed to become big trends,” said Malhotra to reporters at a recent fashion week in New Delhi.
Malhotra, who put together a variety of looks for Padukone such as the nerdy-turned-stunner avatar in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, took to Twitter to announce his Arabian adventure.
“In dubai for @TheFarahKhan’s HAPPY NEW YEAR,” tweeted Malhotra as soon as he touched down in Dubai on Sunday evening. While Bollywood fans are gearing up for some serious star-gazing, it’s serious work at the Farah Khan camp stationed at the five star hotel. Comedian Irani gave us a teaser into the working environment on Monday morning.
“1st shot of HNY done. Super energy, super team. And yes, I’ve been told to say: super hot director!!! @TheFarahKhan or my lines will be cut,” Irani joked on Twitter. He topped it up with: “Farah don’t need no gun.Hands on hips are enough! RT:@iamGunjanGrunge:was kept at a gun point by @thefarahkhan while he Tweeted,” he added.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan, who plays a pivotal role in the Shah Rukh Khan-led drama, asked his fans to wish him luck on his first day of shoot.
“Today, starts a new journey…. Lets hope it ends in a ‘Happy New Year’. #HappyNewYear wish me luck guys. Need it!,” tweeted Bachchan Jr.
Happy New Year is iconic for more reasons than one. It’s one of those rare Bollywood films which is shot from start to finish in this region.
“It will be the first time where an entire Bollywood feature is shot in Dubai. It’s a dream come true,” said Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of Dubai Film And TV Commission (DFTC), in an interview with tabloid! earlier in July. It also marks the re-union of the hit trio Farah Khan, Padukone and King Khan after their 2007 re-incarnation hit Om Shanti Om.
According to sources, security has been beefed up at Atlantis, The Palm to ensure that Farah Khan can go about her filming work without fan interruptions. The Happy New Year team will be in Dubai for a month-long shoot and have zeroed in on locations, including the hotel, The Dubai Mall and Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport.
Watch this space for more.
