Security was exceedingly heightened at the Players set at a suburban studio in Mumbai as the guest in attendance was the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key along with his important dignitaries. Also part of the event were a mix of both Indian as well as New Zealand media enthused about capturing shots of the Prime Minister on his first ever visit to a Bollywood set.
Welcoming him as part of the cast were Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu accompanied by their director Abbas-Mastan. Co-star Sonam Kapoor missed the opportunity as she was unwell, while Neil Nitin Mukesh was not on the set for the day. “its a great day. The prime minister of NEWZEALAND will be visiting the sets of players. For some important reason I will not be able make it” Neil tweeted.
The Prime Minister was presented a Ganesha idol as a token of gratitude and he presented the director duo a beautifully framed print from the movie, King Kong signed by Richard Taylor (co-producer of Lord of the Rings). John Key also went onto give a clap for a shot which was play-acted by Abhishek and Bipasha.
Major parts of the film have been shot in Auckland and Wellington, but as John Key didn’t get a chance to visit the crew there, he expressed the desire to visit the set on his trip to India. “Namaste! I’d like to thank Viacom18, Abbas and Mustan, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu for making their wonderful film Players in New Zealand,” Key said.
Directed by Abbas-Mastan, Players is the official remake of Hollywood film ‘The Italian Job’.
