Australian PM-'Salaam Namaste' Bollywood !

Australian Prime Minister John Howard will get a taste of Bollywood fever when he meets the cast and crew of an Indian movie filmed in Victoria.

As he continues a four-day tour of India, Mr Howard will fly from New Delhi to Mumbai, the nation's commercial and entertainment capital, where he will address a business luncheon.

He will have a change of pace when he meets some of the cast and the director of Salaam Namaste, which stars Australian Tania Zaetta.

Australia is keen to encourage Indian film-makers Down Under, believing it will also lure Indian holiday-makers.

"The Indian entertainment industry is accessing Australia's expertise in film production and services - and featuring Australian cities in its movies, which must now be familiar to many
Indian moviegoers," Mr Howard said in a speech.

"Around 40 Indian films have now been shot in Australia since 1998, which can only bring our countries and cultures closer together."