UK's first Bollywood cabaret comes to the West End
Ah Cabaret! An immersive theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance and drama, it seems ripe for Bollywood. It’s surprising then that Mumbai Masala, the new Bollywood-themed cabaret show at Proud in the city of London is the first of its kind. But what an entrant it is!
Image from the night.
The Bollywood worthy show is spectacular. It tells the story of an successful restauranteur’s humble beginnings and journey to cook for the stars in Film City, the heart of Bollywood in Mumbai, through the wonderfully quirky and humorous host and powerful and energetic dance performances to a selection of foot thumping, classic Bollywood songs like Nimooda and Gajarare.
The extradinarily fun show is written and directed by Toby Gough, who has become famous for his creations that cross conventions, cultures and continents. He is also the creative genius behind the Merchants of Bollywood West End play and says: “I am so excited to bring this fantastic Bollywood show to the West End. This will be the best in the trilogy of shows I have launched in London. This is a must-see experience!”
Image from the night.
The captivating dances have been choreographed by the Pujari brothers, Mahesh, Tejesh and Sushant Pujari. All three were founding members of the Bollywood musical Merchants of Bollywood under the direction of star choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant. The leading performers Arif Zakaria, Carol Furtado and Sushant Pujari are all exceptionally talented with acting credits to their names as well but it is Sushant who stands out the most and commands the audience’s attention.
Accompanying the performance is a seven course meal created by MasterChef finalist Nisha Parmar and features creative twists on classic dishes like a waffle dosa. She says, “This is theatrical Bollywood escapism at its finest. Bringing together two of my biggest joys in matrimony - Bollywood dance and Indian street food is a happy ever after fairytale that you’ve never experienced before!”
The intimate speakeasy style venue not only ensures everyone a good seat to the action but adds to the ambience, reminding you of how hard it actually is to get into Bollywood. Alex Proud, the CEO of Proud clubs says, I am thrilled to bring a brand new Bollywood concept to the West End. This will be more than just a stage show with all your favourite Bollywood songs, the whole venue will be themed, so that you feel like you’re entering a Bollywood film set.”
This, is one not to be missed.
