Bollywood has taken Birmingham by storm with a spectacular show of Asian music and dance. Film fans packed the NEC Arena last night for an inthe-flesh glimpse of some of the most glamorous stars of the Indian silver screen.
Headline appearances included leading international star and ex-Miss World Aishwarya Rai, the hunky new superstar Hrithik Roshan, popular screen actor Fardeen Khan and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta. Concert-goers paid up to £90 a ticket for Heartthrobs To Leave You Breathless, and were treated to a night of breathtaking entertainment.
Aishwarya Rai, 30, a former architecture student from Mangalore, Karnataka turned screen superstar, said she was delighted to be back in Birmingham. "The last time was in 1999 when the movie Taal premiered in the UK, so it's exciting to come back as so much has changed since then," said Aishwarya, who stars in Gurinder Chadha's forthcoming Bride and Prejudice.
The glamorous actress has since notched up numerous awards and critical acclaim for her work in blockbusters such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and more recently Khakee and Choker Bali, which was also shown at last year's London Film Festival. "I'm excited about the show, about coming back to England, and I'm looking forward to a great tour," she added. "I hope everyone will come out to support us."
The concerts are set to cause hysteria among film fans who will see India's latest superstar, Hrithik Roshan. Two years ago he made history with his debut movie, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, dazzling audiences with his agile dancing skills. Hrithik , who recently made headlines with his performance in Koi Mil Gaya, Bollywood's first sci-fi thriller, swept the awards this year in the Best Actor and Best Film categories.
"I'm very grateful for the response I've already received this year for my film and I'm looking forward to seeing fans again on the road," he said. "The last time I came to Birmingham I was overwhelmed with the support and love of my well wishers. I hope I can live up to their expectations."
Miss Universe contestant Celina Jaitley, who starred in her debut film Janasheen opposite Fardeen Khan, says: "I'm very excited as this is my first world tour." "The tour is called 'Breathless', which is what I hope to leave my fans when they come and see me."