The new musical Bombay Superstar kicks off for a world premiere in Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre. Penned by Phizzical Productions’ artistic director Sâmir Bhamra. He celebrates his 50th show. The lyrics are by Robby Khela and the musical direction is by Hinal Pattani. It will be delivered in Hindi with English subtitles.
“As a child from the VHS and Walkman generation living in Kenya, Bollywood films were more than a source of entertainment. The stories instilled a belief system, and the actors were our role models. These dynamic, melodramatic, and extravagant films were a ticket to the dream and to unite South Asians globally. Growing up as a migrant in a working-class family in the UK, these films continued to be a compass, giving people hope to build their aspirations during unjust times,” says Bhamra.
“It has taken over 15 years to realise this dream production about the larger-than-life stories from the flamboyant Indian film industry and to have the courage and the belief that it can be presented on stage in a cinematic style. We are adorning it with iconic Bollywood hits from the 70s and 80s when a fusion of orchestral Indian music and international sounds created youthful upbeat rhythms. Infused with nostalgia, Bombay Superstar is a tribute to the grandeur, costumes, choreography, and scandalous secrets of Hindi movies for everyone to enjoy.”
Laila (Nisha Aaliya), a blooming starlet is romanced by the dashing hero Sikandar (Rav Moore). They star in blockbuster musicals where heroes wear their hearts on their sleeves and rescue beautiful damsels from the clutches of villains on the mean streets of Mumbai (‘Bombay’).
As their passion secretly grows, the intensity of their emotions threatens to burn everything in the city of hope and dreams – will there be a happily ever after for the star-crossed lovers? Popular international dance troupe Bollywood Dance School by Shruti and Rohan Shah have also been roped in as choreographers. There will be a free post-show Q&A session with creative team members on Tuesday 19th October.
Other cast members include Pia Sutaria (recipient of the Disney Theatrical Productions scholarship) as Mala, Robby Khela (Indian Idol) as Vicky, with Sheetal Pandya (Udaa) as Dolly, Yanick Ghanty (Hullraisers) as Tiger, Chirag Rao (Bend It like Beckham) as Din Dayal and Amar (Winner of Best Female Singer at Asian Music Awards) as Pammi.
Aaron Mistry (Eternals), Daisy Hardy (Mission Cinderella), Pavan Maru, (a graduate of Bird College) and Alexandra Adams (a graduate of the Northern Ballet school), will appear in the ensemble.
Bombay Superstar has kicked off in Coventry from 18th October. Will also visit Hall for Cornwall, The New Wolsey Theatre, The Lowry and MAST Mayflower Studios.
