Bollywood movie star Saif Ali Khan spotted filming at Ann Arbor restaurant
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan (in red shirt) filmed at Lena in Ann Arbor on Sunday and Monday this week.
Photo courtesy of Lena
The restaurant's Facebook page identifies the movie as "Writer's Block," and Lena staffer Citlalin Vazquez says that film crews were set up at the restaurant, located at 226 S. Main St., for most of the day on Sunday and Monday.
"They were filming here on Sunday until 1:30 in the morning," said Vazquez. "Monday they started again at 8:30 in the morning and were still filming when I left for the day."
The restaurant remained open for business through the duration of the filming, using tables in the back of the restaurant for customers.
"We were even able to have our jazz night downstairs at Cafe Habana Monday night while they were filming upstairs."
Vazquez was tapped for a cameo in at least one scene.
"I think they kind of liked my exotic appearance and they asked me if I could be in the movie as a hostess."
The movie is shooting today at a southeast Michigan golf course, according to Vazquez.
Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com, a part of the MLive Media Group. Reach her at JessicaWebster@annarbor.com. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Jessica Webster
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
From what I've been able to gather, the shoot is taking place here because of the Michigan film subsidies. Ann Arbor is evidently standing in for Los Angeles in the film. This isn't the first time Ann Arbor has represented California on film. The Michael Cera project"Youth In Revolt" filmed here in 2008, and W. Liberty between Ashley and First was transformed into a California street for a car crash scene.
treetowncartel
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 8:05 p.m.
What Golf course?
M-Wolverine
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 1:20 p.m.
Was there any word why it was filming all the way in Ann Arbor? Is it an Indian production filming in the US, or an American production using Indian actors?
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.
Interesting....that's a heck of a long way to go to film a diner scene. Seems like production costs would make that prohibitive. But glad they're doing it.
Jessica Webster
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 9 p.m.
It appears that it's an Indian production, using an Indian crew and Indian actors. Some extras and lower-level crew are American.
Jessica Webster
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
That's a good question. I haven't yet been able to locate any info online about this movie. I'll update with more info as I find it.
John of Saline
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 9:38 p.m.
Who's the lady in yellow?
sayzme
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 4:59 p.m.
@ John & Usual - Someone you will never have!
Usual Suspect
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
Yes, really. Good question.
Soothslayer
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
Dude really?
Local Yocal
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
Every bollywood movie has a song and dance.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
Lena has excellent decor. Good choice in filming location.
nowayjose
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.
Straight to Indian DVD. Yea!!!!!