Sarawak Bollywood’s destination of choice

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HISTORY OF SORTS: Abang Johari (seventh left) together with members of the delegation during their visit to Mumbai recently.

KUCHING: Sarawak created a history of sorts when it was recognised by Bollywood as the ‘Cinemascope Destination of Choice’ during the 14th  Mumbai Film Festival recently.

According to a press statement yesterday, the award represented another proof that the state is a ‘natural studio’ which could be the location of choice for Indian filmmakers.

During a meeting between Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and Ramoji Rao, owner of one of the biggest film locations in the world, Abang Johari said his ministry was prepared to invite Ramoji and his group to see for themselves the infrastructure and beauty of the state for filming.

“Sarawak has a few interesting allocations with natural beauty which can be put forward in Bollywood, Tollywood and Kollywood films.”

Ramoji, in response, said he hoped the Ministry of Tourism could produce a documentary on suitable locations which could be featured in Bollywood films.

He also expressed interest in building a replica of the Sarawak Cultural Village at Ramoji’s film location.

Also present at the five-day working trip were Assistant Tourism Ministers Datuk Gramong Juna, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon and Borneo Filmmaking Development Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Benny Zachariah.