*http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200803311540.htm* ** *'Bombay Dreams' to be staged in Pakistan*
Islamabad (PTI): An adaptation of "Bombay Dreams", Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical that unravelled the romantic Bollywood to the world on Broadway, will be staged in Pakistan next week. Directed by Sharabeel Shah, the musical extravaganza is believed to have cost Rs 3 million, making it the most expensive stage show put together in Pakistan. The play, which had a run for a select audience in the federal capital last year, will be staged at the Alhamra Art Council in Lahore during April 6-20. "Bombay Dreams", which comprises a huge cast of 75 Pakistani actors, is expected to run to full houses in the country's cultural capital. "The play has been coloured in a local fashion to make it look real. Though the play is in English, it proceeds in a fashion that a person not familiar with English can very well understand it. The actors have been working hard and we hope to have a big crowd," Sharabeel told the Daily Times. The original Broadway musical starred London-based actors Preeya Kalidas, Raza Jaffrey, Raj Ghatak, Ayesha Dharker and Dalip Tahil. The music was scored by India's A R Rahman. "The play is known for its rhythmic tones composed by A R Rahman and will definitely cheer the audience," Sharabeel said. The story revolves around an ambitious young guide, Aakash, who is brought up by his mother and lives in the slums. He fantasises about being a Bollywood star. A young lawyer's fianc offers him a shot in Bollywood and takes him to Mumbai, where he experiences a side of the city he had never imagined. For the Pakistani version, actors have been drawn from various elite educational institutions of Lahore. ------------------------------ -- regards, Vithur Whatever God wants to give, no one can deny; Whatever God wants to deny, no one can give. Be happy always
