Dublin Bollywood-style set for big screen

It’s hard to imagine Dublin as the location for the latest Bollywood blockbuster.

It’s hard to imagine Dublin as the location for the latest Bollywood blockbuster.

Even harder still to picture members of An Garda Síochána strutting about in those elaborate dance sequences.

Nevertheless, the first Bollywood film ever to be shot in Ireland hits the big screen next month.

Ek the Tiger tells the story of a man sent to Dublin on a top secret mission but who unwittingly falls for a woman studying at a fictional dance academy at Trinity College.

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Starring two of India’s most celebrated actors, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, the film, which means "once there was a tiger", was shot at various locations in the capital last Autumn.

In advance of the release, the film’s producers are circulating a preview video, showing Trinity College, Temple Bar and Grafton Street as never before.

Tourism Ireland said the film will significantly boost awareness of the island of Ireland among India’s growing middle classes who have the potential to come here on holidays.

Chief executive Niall Gibbons said: “Bollywood is deep-rooted in the psyche of most Indiave a considerable influence on Indian travellers when they are deciding on their holiday destination.

“We are confident that the footage shot in Dublin will help whet appetites and create a curiosity among Indians to come and visit the places where the colourful ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ was shot.

“We are delighted to have co-operated with the Irish Film Board in securing this important film for Ireland which was also made possible through strong support at Government level.”