Bollywood a huge inspiration for Nigerian film industry: 'Namaste Wahala' director

Writer-director Hamisha Daryani Ahuja's film Namaste Wahala is a love story between an Indian man and a Nigerian woman, and she says Bollywood has had a strong impact on Nollywood, or the Nigerian film industry.

Hamisha Daryani Ahuja speaks during the interview in Lagos, Nigeria. Reuters

"Nigerians have grown up watching and loving Bollywood films. Names like Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini and Shah Rukh Khan are household names in many parts. Many of my Nigerian friends have watched Hindi movies growing up and can even quote famous Hindi lines,” Ahuja said.

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Ahuja's debut film 'Namaste Wahala' is a tale of cross-cultural love affair

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“Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world in terms of output, second only to Bollywood. So Bollywood serves as a huge inspiration for us and I can't wait to see how this new genre enfolds," she added.

Hamisha Daryani Ahuja is seen on a camera screen during the interview in Lagos. Reuters 

Namaste Wahala highlights the differences as well as colorful similarities between Indian and Nigerian cultures. The film stars Indian actor Ruslaan Mumtaz with Nigerian actress Ini Dima-Okojie.

The film dropped on Netflix on Valentine's Day.