BOLLYWOOD DREAMS: REVIEW
The All New Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical

MUSIC: A.R. RAHMAN
STARRING: RAZA JAFFREY, PREEYA KALIDAS, AYESHA DHARKER,
DALIP TAHIL & RAJ GHATAK

In many ways the formula of Indian cinema (with heavy doses of music, melodrama and sporadically questionable acting) is perfect for the stage. The idea of welding the two different mediums has been tried on several low-key occasions in the past but never quite on the level that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has managed with his latest production Bombay Dreams. Whilst planning the £4.5 million production, it was decided that established names from the Indian film industry (such as ace music composer A.R. Rahman, popular choreographer Farah Khan and well known actors Ayesha Darker and Dalip Tahil) will be contrasted with fresh new British Asian talent (e.g. Preeya Kalidas, Raza Jeffrey and Raj Ghatak). Luckily for everyone involved, the combination has worked well.

Bombay Dreams is about Akaash (Raza Jaffrey), a working class boy who dreams of making it big in movies. Although he doesn't have parents or siblings, the people that surround him are like an extended family. This includes Sweetie, a local 'hijra' who secretly loves Akaash and helps him acquire his first big break. Madan (Dalip Tahil) is a big time film producer who spots Akaash and instantly signs him for a future blockbuster opposite the queen of Bollywood, Rani (Ayesha Dharker). Madan's daughter Priya (Preeya Raza) is the assistant director of the film and although she is already engaged, she accidentally falls in love with Akaash and vice versa.

As many people already know, the musical features several well known tracks from A.R. Rahman, which have the same compositions as the originals but the lyrics have been changed and are now in English. There are also new songs that were made specifically for Bombay Dreams. The musical highlights from the show are Shakalaka Baby, Chaiyya Chaiyya and the wedding song.

Shakalaka Baby, which was originally featured in the film Nayak and will become the first single from the musical, is not only very catchy but it is a visual treat. The dance routine is excellent and Ayesha Dharker does a commendable job. The special effects with the water work very well during the song. The choreography for Chaiyya Chaiyya, which opens the second half, is more or less identical to the one used in Dil Se and looks great. It is one of the only songs where the lyrics remain the same and are in Hindi.

The first half of the music is average although things pick up well in the second half. The sets are well designed. The script by Meera Syal is sound although slightly more uneventful than other musicals. The acting is good. Although they handle their roles well, Raza Jeffrey and Preeya Kalidas still have the rawness that is common in newcomers. Ayesha Dharker is a scene-stealer and is very natural in her role, which is unlike anything she has played in films. Raj Ghatak as Sweetie is very natural and was much liked by the audience. Shelly King, who plays media personality Kitti also stands out although her character is very similar to Meera Syal's Smita Smitten in Goodness Gracious Me. Dalip Tahil, Raad Rawi, Ramon Tikaram and the rest of the supporting cast are also good.

On the whole, Bombay Dreams offers an alternative means of entertainment for fans of Indian cinema and is also a nice introduction on the culture of Indian cinema for someone who has never watched it before. Its not the greatest experience I have had whilst watching a musical but its certainly one of the most different.

WRITTEN BY ROBEEL HAQ