An Indian Airlines plane in Glasgow? Akshay Kumar spotted filming new movie in Scotland

A vintage aircraft on set confused some eagle-eyed aviation fans

Picture ; John Devlin. 03/09/2020. GLASGOW. Barras Market. MANDATORY CREDIT: John Devlin, Scotsman, Johnston Press 

Scenes from the Bollywood Blockbuster, Bell Bottom are filmed in and around Glasgow’s famous Barras Market.

Akshay Kumar. Vaani Kapoor jets off to Scotland to join Akshay Kumar on Bell Bottom shoot. Watch
Vaani Kapoor is on her way to Scotland to join Akshay Kumar and the rest of the crew of Bell Bottom for the film’s shoot. Akshay began shooting for the film on August 14 after the crew spent two weeks in quarantine first.

fter Akshay Kumar began shooting for Bell Bottom in Scotland last week, the film’s leading lady Vaani Kapoor is all set to join the team. Vaani was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Wednesday, on her way to the UK.

Seen in a blue shirt, black leggings and boots, Vaani was seen making her way inside the airport with a mask on. She even greeted someone with a hug before posing for the paparazzi gathered outside the airport.
Bell Bottom is one of the first films to announce resumption of shooting schedule after the coronavirus-induced lockdown, which had brought the entertainment industry to a grinding halt. Akshay and the rest of the team had to quarantine in Scotland for two weeks before they could begin shooting for the movie.


“The new normal has made us realise a different way of working that none of us could have imagined. As much as I’m happy to be back on the sets, it’s also important for us to take care of everything around us. “Pooja Entertainment has laid down a safety plan for our shooting schedule abroad. We hope these measures help us accomplish a smooth and safe shoot,” Akshay said in a statement.
The production house chartered a flight to fly the entire unit with medical facilities. Besides medical-grade masks and face shields, the production house has also made it mandatory for the cast and crew to wear a wrist watch that will constantly monitor their oxygen level
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Spotting an Indian Airlines flight at Glasgow Prestwick Airport is a rare sight indeed, especially given that the airline ceased to exist in 2011.

However, eagle-eyed aviation fans noticed an Indian Airlines aircraft at the Scottish airport this week. But why?

The aircraft is not at the small airport to cater to passengers, but as a huge prop for a Bollywood movie. Bell Bottom, a spy thriller starring Akshay Kumar, is currently being filmed in Glasgow.

The plane has been given an Indian livery, but is part of Titan Airways' fleet, a British charter airline based at London Stansted Airport.

Film fans in Scotland have spotted Kumar out and about in notedly 1980s attire. As well as at Prestwick Airport, the cast and crew have been seen at The Barras, an enormous indoor weekend market in Glasgow.

In the images shared on social media, Kumar can be seen sporting a statement moustache and a very 1980s turtleneck sweater, appropriate for keeping warm in a grey, rainy Glasgow.

Of the costumes, one fan wrote: "I like the entire retro vibe and high collars!"

The Bollywood star said of the project: "Bell Bottom is not a remake of any film, it is an original screenplay inspired by true events." He said it will be a "roller-coaster spy ride". It is set to be released in April 2021.

A poster for the film has already been released, with a plane in the background.

Akshay Kumar's 'Bell Bottom' is set for release in April 2021. It is currently being filmed in Glasgow, Scotland. Pooja Entertainment and Films 
Akshay Kumar's 'Bell Bottom' is set for release in April 2021. It is currently being filmed in Glasgow, Scotland. Pooja Entertainment and Films 

The movie also stars Huma Qureshi, Vaani Kapoor and Lara Dutta, and is being directed by Ranjit Tiwari. Kumar and his cast mates have been in the UK working on the project since early August.

To get to the UK from India, the cast and crew chartered a private aircraft, the Hindustan Times reported at the time.

Upon arrival in Scotland, the cast and crew had to quarantine for two weeks, and then shoots began on August 14.

Bell Bottom is one of the first Bollywood films to resume filming. Of the project Kumar said in a statement: "The new normal has made us realise a different way of working that none of us could have imagined. As much as I'm happy to be back on the sets, it's also important for us to take care of everything around us.

“Pooja Entertainment has laid down a safety plan for our shooting schedule abroad. We hope these measures help us accomplish a smooth and safe shoot.”

There are plenty of safety precautions in place on set. According to The Scotsman, "The production house has also made it mandatory for the cast and crew to wear a wrist watch that will constantly monitor their oxygen levels, body temperature, blood pressure, stress levels and pulse."