Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii in Melbourne

India's most successful television production house, the Bombay-based Balaji Telefilms is currently shooting in Melbourne for one of its very popular prime time television soaps Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii.

Melbourne is an international hot spot for the arts, fashion, sports and culinary excellence and innovation. The city is also a shopping paradise and a cradle of modern sophisticated living with a culturally rich heritage. This beautiful city is also home to hallmark international events from the Australian Open Tennis to Formula 1 Grand Prix to the Melbourne Cup and is set to be the host for the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

In a strategic move to add zest to the prime time drama and tap into the mind set of the growing Indian travel market, producers from Balaji Telefilms worked in association with Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) to create a plot that unfolds against sophisticated Melbourne – a city that blends style with culture.

Kahaani's Om, Parvati, Shruti and Aryaan are caught in a twisting and scheming story line that captures stunning aqua marine Melbourne aquarium, the Federation Square – the new centre piece of Melbourne, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Royal Botanical Garden. Other locations the crew will be shooting include the Crown Entertainment Complex and the beautiful bay-side environs of St. Kilda.

Maggie White, General Manager, South and South East Asia, Australian Tourist Commission, said, "India is a key emerging market for Australia and, thanks to Balaji, millions of viewers across India will be exposed to Melbourne's vast spectrum of experiences set against the backdrop of the world’s most livable city."

"Melbourne wears its history close to its heart and its urban sophistication on its sleeve. Divided into precincts containing a treasure trove of individual attractions, unique characteristics and cultural adventures, these individual locales span the landscape of this beautiful city from the river to the sea. Artistic, entertaining, historic and cosmopolitan, this life story of marvelous Melbourne reflects in every aspect of the destination." said White

Balaji Telefilms, Creative Director, Ekta Kapoor said, "A well etched story line coupled with scenic locales is a potent combination for any visual drama on television or film. Melbourne provided the perfect visual landscape that was scenic and artistic as well as glamorous. Melbourne has it all."

"Black Cat Production house is thrilled to be the line producer for Balaji Telefilms and help showcase Melbourne in all its splendour. It has been great fun working with the Indian crew and combining the best of the vibrant locations of Melbourne, the energy of the Indian crew and the professionalism of our Australian crew." says Mitu Bhowmick, Executive Producer, Black Cat Productions.

Balaji's crew is currently shooing for 15 days starting first week of April 2004 in Melbourne and surrounding area. The Balaji visit was co-sponsored by Tourism Victoria.