Bollywood Musical Opens In London
A Bollywood musical based on the life of its choreographer is wrapping up its U.K. tour in London this week.
"The Merchants Of Bollywood" stars Ayesha Carol Furtado and Arif Zakaria. It features the music of Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, who are like the Rogers and Hammerstein of Bollywood.
The musical is the creation of director Toby Gough and noted Bollywood choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant.
Based on Merchant's life, "The Merchants Of Bollywood" tells the story of a young woman who rebels against her grandfather, a classical Indian dancer.
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Although he wants her to continue in the family tradition, she chooses to follow her dream and makes a name for herself in Bollywood.
"I play Ayesha Merchant who is the granddaughter of Shantilal Merchant, who is a choreographer in his time from the black and white era," said Furtado.
Vaibhavi Merchant won accolades for her choreography for the most famous song of 2006 starring Aishwariya Rai and the Bachchan father-son duo called "Kajra Re" from the film "Bunty Aur Bubly."
Merchant is also known for her choreography in many of Bollywood's top films in the past two decades. Her work includes, "Dhoom," "Fanaa," "Rang De Basanti" and the Oscar-nominated "Lagaan."
Toby Gough has written and directed a string of plays and musicals. His "Lady Salsa" was a sellout in London's West End for 16 months. Gough has won five Scotsman Fringe Awards for his writing.
The musical has already been staged in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and other European countries where it was praised for its music, colorful costumes and dance performances.
By Sakshi Didwania