An escape to Bollywood

THE lead cast and executive producer of the musical Merchants of Bollywood (MOB) were recently in Studio V for an exclusive interview.

The musical centres around the Merchant family who steadfastly hold on to traditions despite changing times.

Conflict ensues when Ayesha Merchant (Carol Furtado), leaves her home in Rajasthan to pursue her dreams of making it big in Bollywood against the wishes of her grandfather Shantilal Merchant (Chander Khanna), formerly a famous choreographer from the Hindi film industry’s golden era.

Making its Asian debut in Malaysia at the Istana Budaya, the Merchants of Bollowood premiered on Tuesday.

According to executive producer Tony Brady, Istana Budaya is one of the largest stages they’ve worked on.

“There’s no need to change the choreography or set. We had great response from the Malaysian audience, the difference is just the culture,” he said, adding that the 90-minute musical is a feel good show.

Furtado, who plays the lead actress Ayesha Merchant, added: “Compared with some countries we’ve performed in, the audience here are familiar with Bollywood. And because it’s an English-speaking audience, the lines won’t get lost in translation.

“For Malaysians who love Bollywood, you don’t have to travel to India as we are bringing the industry to you. It’s a visual treat with a lot of colours, costumes and jewellery.

“There’s a vast variety of dance styles from traditional, classical to modern. It caters to all audiences, transcending age and gender. It’s a high-octane, electrifying and uplifting show,” she said.

Chander, who has done a lot of research for his role, said the story explores the conflict between the old and new.

“One should not be against change but let’s not forget about our background and culture or we won’t have our own identity,” he said.

While the cast had a great time tasting the local delicacies, Dipender Singh, who plays Ayesha’s childhood sweetheart Uday, tries to stick to a strict diet.

“I want to look good on stage,” he said.

Brady revealed that the cast would travel to China in mid-September and then to Bangkok, Europe and Poland.

“The biggest success is that music and dance is universal, it has no language, it’s universally accepted.

“People will have a good experience watching this musical, the drama is so powerful,” Chander said.

With that said, the musical promises to be a feast for all the senses.

So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance with the performers at the end of the show.

Merchants Of Bollywood is being staged now till July 26 at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur.

Tickets are priced from RM70 to RM500 and are available through ticketpro.com.my or 03-7880 7999. A limited number of tickets for students are available at RM45. For details, log on to mobkl.com or call 03-7955 9995.

Log on to thestaronline.tv to watch the interview at Studio V.