http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/bollywoods-a-big-hit-at-parramatta/story-fn4guuui-1225820390943
Bollywood's a big hit at Parramatta
* By Brittany Stack * From:The Sunday Telegraph * January 17,
2010 12:00AM
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A SLICE of Bollywood came to Parramatta yesterday.
Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman proved a magnet for Indian and non-Indians
alike, who flocked to Parramatta Park to see a Sydney Festival highlight.
His show, with its signature intoxicating beats - including Jai Ho, from the
film Slumdog Millionaire - featured 40 dancers and musicians in colourful
Indian costumes, accompanied by a laser show adding to the vibrant colours. An
enthusiastic audience sat on rugs and picnic blankets, grooving and swaying to
the music.
Rish Chandra, 25, staked his spot at 1pm to ensure he had a good view.
Mr Chandra, a fan of the international artist's work since the 1990s, said:
"It's an honour to see him live.
"It's really great that Sydney Festival is putting this concert on because it
really shows the multicultural diversity of this city."
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As well as two Academy Awards for composing the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack,
Rahman has won 13 Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, a BAFTA Award and
a Golden Globe.
This year's Sydney Festival seems likely to be the most successful yet.
"I couldn't be happier with the way we started the first week - it's gone
terrifically well, in terms of grabbing people's attention," festival director
Lindy Hume said.
More than ever, the festival is showcase for the diverse, exotic and plain
unlikely.
Another Indian-themed act, The Manganiyar Seduction, features 43 Rajasthani
musicians performing a spectacular combination of music and theatre.
"There's something about the fact that they sing honestly, from the heart, and
they love their work," she said.
