New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met some of Bollywood’s biggest stars in Mumbai on Wednesday, marking a significant cultural exchange between India and New Zealand. The meeting, attended by Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, and other prominent film personalities, took place during Luxon’s multi-day visit to India, which focuses on strengthening bilateral ties in trade, tourism, and entertainment.
Bollywood, known for its global influence, has long had a connection with New Zealand, where several Indian films have been shot. Luxon’s visit signals a renewed interest in fostering collaborations between the two countries in the entertainment industry. While the details of their discussions remain private, speculation suggests that topics such as film collaborations, tourism promotion, and cultural partnerships were on the agenda.
Pictures from the event showed Luxon interacting warmly with the Bollywood stars, sharing smiles and engaging in animated conversations. Aamir Khan, known for his globally acclaimed films, was seen discussing ideas with the New Zealand PM, while Vidya Balan, a celebrated actress in Indian cinema, was also an active participant in the conversation.
Luxon’s Mumbai visit comes at a time when New Zealand is keen on expanding its soft diplomacy efforts in India. Bollywood, with its massive reach across the Indian diaspora, presents a strategic avenue for enhancing cultural and economic ties.
