Click to play videoLondon: Bollywood films do brisk business in Britain but now Bollywood is set to storm the stage as well.
Merchants of Bollywood, a musical based on Bollywood music and dance is coming to Europe. It will premier in Zurich next week and will be launched in the UK over Diwali.
Merchants of Bollywood is based on the life of the show's choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant and it promises to be the Bollywood extravaganza of the year.
Vaibhavi, who has films like Devdas, Fanaa and Krrish to her name, is the granddaughter of the legendary choreographer of the 40s and 50s — Hiralal Merchant.
The show is a journey from one Merchant's era to the other, younger merchant.
"A lot of it has to do with my family especially my grandfather played by Arif Zakaria. In the play, Ayesha, who plays my character has turned a rebel, somewhere I became like that as well. The only fictitious thing in the play is the love story because I have none," Vaibhavi said.
Written and directed by Australian Toby Gough, the show features 40 dancers and actors, all from Mumbai’s film city.
It includes classics like Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna and the latest tracks from Dhoom and Dus.
Though Vaibhavi has choreographed the show based on her life, she has chosen not to be on stage herself.
There are no other big stars in the show but the producers feel that doesn't take away from the show.
"This is a touring show. We are booked till next April. You can't get a Bollywood star for that long. It’s not about stars, it’s about Bollywood. So, stars are not needed. It will slant the show in a different direction," show promoter, Harvey Goldsmith said.
After a successful run in Australia last year, the £2 million production has been upgraded for the European audience. And the team is convinced that the audience will love it in London.
"We have taken each step as it comes with music and every other department. The audiences are completely prepared for a show like this," Vaibhavi said.
"Initially the audience will be Asian. They know the movies, the songs, it’s like being home but word will get around and then it’s a fun show for everybody," Goldsmith said.
The show will premier in Birmingham in October and after touring seven other cities will come to London during the Christmas week.
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