Bollywood powerhouse Karan Johar recently played host to a high-profile visitor as Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, dropped by the Dharma Productions office in Mumbai. Accompanied by the team from Screen Scotland, Swinney met with Johar and Dharma CEO Apoorva Mehta to explore ways to strengthen the creative ties between the Scottish film industry and Indian cinema. The visit marks a significant step in Scotland’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a prime destination for future Bollywood film and television productions.
Sharing the excitement on social media, Karan Johar posted photos from the meeting and reflected on his long-standing connection to the country. The filmmaker noted that the visit brought back fond memories of shooting his directorial debut, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, which famously utilized Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes for some of its most iconic sequences. Johar expressed his gratitude for the visit, describing it as a true honour and sharing that the pair engaged in a vibrant conversation about how to deepen the cinematic friendship between India and Scotland.
Beyond the office visit, the diplomatic mission included a productive industry roundtable with the Producers Guild of India. This session brought together senior Indian producers and Scottish screen-sector representatives to brainstorm a long-term partnership. With Scotland boasting high-quality infrastructure, a wealth of creative expertise, and a skilled workforce, the region is keen to attract more large-scale Indian projects. As discussions continue, fans might soon see more of Scotland’s picturesque scenery gracing the big screen in upcoming Dharma productions.