Film crew descends on major Scottish city for remake of beloved 90s classic
One of Scotland's most iconic city centres has been transformed into a bustling film set as a movie production team descended on Edinburgh to shoot scenes for an upcoming film. Princes Street Gardens, in the heart of the capital, is currently being used for a major Bollywood production.
The city is playing host to the filming of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai - a modern remake of the popular 1990's Bollywood hit Biwi No. 1. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas in April next year.
The film's title comes from a Hindu saying, which roughly translates to mean 'young people are bound to fall in love'.
The original film, directed by filmmaker David Dhawan, told the story of a devoted housewife whose world is turned upside down when her husband leaves her for a glamorous supermodel. The remake is once again being directed by Dhawan.
Filming for the romantic comedy in Edinburgh began this week, with the area around the Royal Scottish Academy and East Princes Street Gardens shut off as cameras rolled.
Onlookers were treated to a colourful spectacle as Bollywood star Varun Dhawan - son of the director and one of India's highest paid actors - was seen filming a lively dance scene in traditional Bollywood clothing.
The 38-year-old actor was joined by two backup dancers and a group of Scottish bagpipers dressed in kilts, creating a fusion of Indian cinema and Scottish culture in the capital.
A short clip was shared online with the caption: "Varun Dhawan seen in Edinburgh today... shooting scenes from 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai," as crowds gathered around the Bollywood star.
However, filming has not just stuck to the city centre. Earlier this week, cast and crew were also spotted filming on the gorgeous Portobello Beach.
In preparation for filming in Scotland, the production team issued a casting call in May, seeking local Scottish talent to appear in the film as background extras. The casting call requested for individuals to portray nurses and doctors for a hospital scene.
The 30-day shoot in Scotland is understood to cover two songs, with a chase sequence and 'comedic scenes' for the film.
According to the production team, the Edinburgh scenes mark the final stages of the shooting schedule.
As the casting call read: "The conclusion of Scotland schedule will lead to a film wrap, not-with-standing a couple of songs and some patchwork sequences."
A source told Pinkvilla, a top Bollywood news site: "A lot of combination scenes, leading to chaos on screen, will be shot in Scotland.
Bollywood stars Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur are also starring in the film, as the stars have also been spotted around the capital city filming various scenes.
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