S Africa's picturesque locales beckon Bollywood: Official

Hyderabad, Sep 3 (UNI) South Africa wants the Indian film industry to shoot films in the country, which had a historical relationship with India, South Africa's Consul General in India Busi Kuzwayo said today.

''My nation is bound to India since the time of Mahatma Gandhi, who started the Satyagraha Movement there, resulting in India's liberation from the British in 1947,'' she said speaking at a meeting of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI).

''Bollywood is playing a major role in promoting tourist destinations and a lot of films are being shot in South Africa,'' she said.

Referring to the shooting of 'Dhoom 2', and other movies, including Anil Kapoor's 'Gandhi- My Father' there, she said there was a huge viewership for Indian movies in that country.

The encouragement given to Bollywood to shoot movies in South Africa had also led to greater awareness of what her country offered in terms of tourism.

South Africa had a lot to gain from India in film making, she opined.

Tourism to South Africa from India has grown by 17 per cent in the last year, she said, adding that she was interacting at various levels to increase the number.

UNI