Madhavan, Diya Mirza: Happily anonymous!

Fakir Hassen

They haven't debuted in Hindi films yet. Perhaps that's why Indian celebrities Diya Mirza and Madhavan could walk about in Durban, the coastal South African city, without being mobbed.

It was a welcome change for popular Tamil star Madhavan, who is making his Hindi screen debut in Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein opposite Diya Mirza, the reigning Miss Asia-Pacific.

Diya was also here a few months ago to shoot for another film for producer Vashu Bhagnani, who is behind the latest project as well. Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein is a remake of the Tamil love story, Minnalae, which also starred Madhavan.

The film is expected to be released in September.

Madhavan told journalists he was "thrilled" about working in Hindi films for the first time. He said language was not a problem as he was born in Northern India and spoke better Hindi than Tamil.

"The North Indian style of making films is more laidback and relaxed than the very disciplined process of the South," Madhavan said.

Diya was happy at not being mobbed, as is usually the case in India. She hoped to be able to see a little more of the city before they left.

The crew and cast filmed some scenes on the Durban beach and at the home of a local businessman in the city during the past week. Later this week they will move to the scenic Drakensberg Mountains, about 320 km from Durban, for shooting there.

Bhagnani's previous films include Biwi No 1, Coolie No 1, Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa and Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, which is still running in South African theatres.

South African businessman Raakesh Maharaj, director of Umkhonto Communications, has been assisting the crew locally. His company has been specialising in arranging shootings for Indian films in South Africa for several years now.

Maharaj said Indian filmmakers were finding South Africa to be a good location because of its good weather, wide range of locales, and comparatively low cost.

Indo-Asian News Service