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 * Increase Text Size * Decrease Text Size * Print * Email * Share 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." Related Coverage * A.R. Rahman a free hit Daily Telegraph, 1 day ago * Slumdog musician calls for peace The Australian, 3 days ago * Dream factory's magic music-maker The Australian, 3 days ago * Curry Puff Daddy sikhs unityDaily Telegraph, 4 days ago * Bollywood's message of harmony Daily Telegraph, 7 days ago 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.