Channel 4 readies Bollywood Star hunt

Channel 4 is strengthening its Bollywood slot to its schedule by screening the much publicised search for a star for an upcoming Bollywood movie directed by acclaimed director Mahesh Bhatt.

Inspired by the huge success and influence of Bollywood movies, this four-part series follows Channel 4’s search for the first British Bollywood star.

With a distinguished panel of judges, including musician Bally Sagoo, Radio 1 DJ Bobby Friction, award-winning choreographer Honey Kalaria and actress Sophiya Haque,(who is currently starring in Bombay Dreams and former ZEE Music host), the search is on. And, with more than
1,000 young hopefuls applying to audition, the judges certainly have their work cut out.

Bollywood Star follows every stage of the competition, from the early auditions featuring both the talented and no-hopers, to the selection of the lucky six finalists, chosen to make a trip of a lifetime to Mumbai (formerly Bombay).

The lucky six then face two weeks of intensive training with leading industry experts (including Asha Chandra, who runs a Bollywood acting academy, top choreographer Shiamak Davar, stunt trainer Mahendra Verma and stylist Manish Maholtra), before performing and being judged live in front of an Indian audience.

But Bollywood Star is no ordinary talent search. As well as experiencing the glitz and glamour of the Indian film industry, the six finalists will see Mumbai life first hand, from selling flowers in the local market to working as a servant.

For some the trip will be more than a competition – it will be a journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. Bollywood Star begins on Channel 4 this Tuesday (1st June) at 21:00.