Karan Johar's film to create 200 jobs in Sydney

Sydney, Oct 28 (IANS) Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar's Hindi remake of "Stepmom" will be shot in Sydney and will create 200 jobs for people in the Australian city, said Virginia Judge, minister assisting the Premier on the Arts.

"This movie will take Sydney to Bollywood and an audience of more than one billion people. This is the first Australian production from one of Bollywood's most iconic filmmakers Karan Johar," said Judge Tuesday in a press statement.

To be directed by Siddharth Malhotra, the film is inspired by director Chris Columbus' 1998 hit drama "Stepmom", a heartwarming tale of two women - divorced Susan Sarandon and the new woman (Julia Roberts) in her ex-husband's life - and the problems they face to find a common ground of understanding.

"We are excited to showcase the very best that Australia has to offer and we hope to bring back some of the infectious spirit and charm that has become synonymous with Australia and Australians," said Karan, who is producing it under his banner Dhama Productions.

The Hindi remake stars Kareena Kapoor and Kajol and it will be extensively shot in Sydney.

"A film-friendly place with the best locales worldwide all in one city and suited to the requirements of my script. Besides, one needs to work with good people so what better place than Sydney," said Malhotra.

Dharma has hired Sydney-based TEMPLE as the Australian production company.

"Karan Johar is India's iconic filmmaker and represents the modern professional brand of Indian cinema. His company's decision to film in New South Wales (NSW) will not only take Indo Australian film links to a higher level but will also provide opportunity for Australian films and stories to develop collaborative links with India.

"Dharma filming in NSW is the ultimate compliment to Australia from Bollywood and as a filmmaker I am hoping this will result in deeper collaborations and co-productions between India and Australia," said Anupam Sharma, filmmaker and Head of the Australian production company Films and Casting Temple.

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