Bollywood is now universal

What type of relationship is shaping up between Bollywood and Hollywood? Not only are major Hollywood studios like Sony (Saawariya), Warner Bros (From Chandni Chowk to China) and Disney (Roadside Romeo) producing proper Bollywood movies, but now Bollywood producers are investing and filming in Hollywood.

Next week, Kambakth Ishq, starring A-listers Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor will begin filming at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Sylvester Stallone is expected to play himself in Bollywood’s most expensive film to date. Producer Sajid Nadiawala confirms: “Yes, we have signed Stallone; we didn’t want to leave any stone unturned.” Will they also rope in Sharon Stone?

This development is the latest in a growing trend for Indian investment in Hollywood. At the recent Cannes Film Festival, Reliance Big Entertainment, part-owned by one of India’s richest men, announced a $1 billion injection into at least eight Hollywood Companies. Further, Eros International, one of the biggest Bollywood distributors signed a joint venture with Loinsgate, an independent studio, in order to widen exposure of Bollywood in America.

Will the masala ‘song and dance’ formula be diluted in order to cater to western audiences? Kishore Lulla, Head of Eros says: “People want something new every time. You can’t keep giving them the same old thing. There will be sex, definitely.”

The London King

UK Bollywood star spotters are in for a treat this week as two Khans are currently in London. Shah Rukh Khan returns to his favourite city to attend a dinner on Friday. “I say it as a joke to everyone that when the English left India, we were not going to let them go!” He also told me: “It’s the greatest city in the world. It feels like an extension of middle-class Mumbai.”

The other Khan (no relation) in London this week is the Winchester Public School-educated Saif Ali Khan. He is in town to promote next week’s release Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Nandita Das, India’s most intelligent actress and star of the acclaimed Fire is also here to promote her upcoming English language film Before the Rains, co-starring Linus Roache and Jennifer Ehle and to introduce her first directorial venture.

Bollywood goes to Brum

“We are aiming for a diverse classical mainstream white audience,” Mr Amar stated on Tuesday at the launch of Sonu Niigaam’s CD and his upcoming concerts in the UK. Niigaam will be performing 18 classic Mohammed Rafi tracks with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 15 July. Would the CBSO have any difficulty playing Bollywood tracks? Tim Pottier, the arranger says: “Some of the music is inspired by Western music anyway, so the musicians were able to adapt.” Whoever said Bollywood was original!

Bollywood goes to Bedfordshire

Why is Bollywood shooting in Bedford and not in the British capital? Director Jag Mundra explains: “In London there are a lot of restrictions on when you can shoot in the street, so we came to Bedford where we could shoot in front of some impressive traditional buildings.” Mundra’s remake of The 40 Year Old Virgin, with Govinda, hits cinemas next year. His film, Shoot on Sight, based on the killing of an innocent Muslim lad by the London police in the aftermath of the July 7 tube bombings, is released on July 11.

Bollywood at the Barbican

See where it all started with a special screening of Bollywood’s most successful film ever, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) at London’s Barbican next Thursday. The film was clearly ahead of its time: it depicts lead pair Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol taking the Eurostar to Paris from London’s St Pancras station.

Gandhi in London

Celebrity Indian spot of the week: Priyanka Gandhi strolling through Mayfair past the Curzon cinema on Tuesday evening.