Belgrade to host Bollywood world premiere

The world premiere of Bollywood musical Bombay Superstar is to take place at the Belgrade Theatre.

Set in the sizzling disco era of the 1970s, the musical will be taking to the Belgrade 's main stage from Saturday 15 to Saturday 22nd October.

Bombay Superstar is presented by the Belgrade in co-production with Phizzical Productions and The New Wolsey Theatre.

The story is set in the heart of the biggest film industry in the world - Bollywood.

Blurring the lines between reel and real-life events, this retro musical is a tale of a star-crossed romance between a fiery rising star and her married co-star.

Bombay Superstar is written and directed by S�mir Bhamra (Bring on the Bollywood, Precious Bazaar), artistic director of Phizzical.

S�mir said: “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. 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.

“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. ”

Bombay Superstar will feature Bollywood hits from the 70s and 80s, including melodious pop and disco music like Dekha Ek Khwab and Disco Deewane, played by live musicians.

The new musical is a tribute to the grandeur, costumes, choreography, and scandalous secrets of Hindi movies.

Tickets for Bombay Superstar are on sale now and can be booked by phoning the box office on 024 7655 3055 (phone lines open 10.30am - 2pm, Monday to Saturday), or by visiting www.belgrade.co.uk