Special Features
The Merchants of Bollywood
"The Merchants of Bollywood"! This English and Hindi theatrical musical is based on the true life story of the famous Bollywood choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant herself, and also features songs by AR Rahman, with 1500 costumes and 40 artists.It is a very large production that has toured all over Europe: Zurich, Munich, Prague, Paris, Barcelona, all over the UK, many other cities, and twice on Australian tour. It has been lauded by International Press everywhere! "A a family musical that depicts traditional values, respect, family ties and love, perfectly intertwined with traditional dance and some Bollywood flavour."
Merchants of Bollywood -Story
The story begins in India, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in the temple of
Shiva. The Merchant family dynasty holds the responsibility of upholding the ancient traditions of the Kathak dance, the dance of the Gods. Shantilal
Merchant is the last in the line of gurus. This tradition is about to die out.
Shantilal was formerly a choreographer in the golden era of India’s great
film industry, Bollywood. India was recovering from Partition. Division in
the country had ripped the heart and soul of the people apart and
Shantilal believed that Cinema could heal the wounds.
Shantilal left when the industry grew commercial and lawless, influenced
by western trends and dirty money. Shantilal began his own dance school
in the desert, teaching traditional folk dance.
His granddaughter Ayesha left Rajasthan against his wishes to become
the reigning queen of choreography of Bollywood films today. She has
the Midas touch. They cal her “The Princess of Romance”.
Although they are family, their approach to film choreography could not
be further apart.
Shantilal believed that films should change people’s lives.
Ayesha believes film should help people escape.
Reality or fantasy – there lies the conflict.
Ayesha’s teenage rebellion against her classical training, in favor of
modern western dance styles, was the seed of their fued. The damage
seems irreparable.
Ayesha resolves to visit Shantilal to make peace. Her journey takes her to
the heart of India – the deserts of Rajasthan and into the arms of her
childhood sweetheart Uday.
In the temple, the fires are burning low.
Her grandfather is dying. There is no one left to continue the family
tradition, performing the dance of the Gods.
Ayesha decides to marry Uday, and stay in Rajasthan to run her fathers
dance school and maintain the family traditions.
But she will run the school her way, in a balance of old and new.
Event Details:
What: Merchants of Bollywood musical
When: January 21-23, 2010. Matinee show doors open at 2pm, show starts at 3pm. Evening show doors open at 6.30pm and show starts at 7.30pm.
Where: The Palladium, Dubai Media City
Cost: Tickets start from Dhs 150
Tickets: Available from the box office at The Palladium or www.boxoffice.com, www.timeouttickets.com and selected Spinney’s video outlet.
Website: http://www.merchantsofbollywood.com.au/aus/
