Salim Merchant: ‘Beyond Bollywood’ shows India’s folk culture

Composer Salim Merchant, of the hit Bollywood duo Salim-Sulaiman, on Tuesday said the Indian musical “Beyond Bollywood” which premieres in London’s West End in May is not limited to Bollywood and gives more importance to Indian folk music and dance.

“We had designed “Beyond Bollywood” as a popular show and this is the only show that is from India and premiering in West End London.

“It is a big deal for Indians, for the film fraternity because it is the first such show which is produced entirely in India, all actors, dancers etc. are from India and it is premiering in London,” Salim told a TV channel on Tuesday.

Directed by Rajeev Goswami, with lyrics by Irfan Sidiqqui and music by Salim-Sulaiman, the show brings together a group of performers and dancers who will recreate the exuberance of India’s diverse culture.

It is a story of Shaily Shergill, a young Indian girl, who leaves her home in Germany and sets out on a journey to India to fulfil her departed mother’s dream and discovers her roots in the process.

The show opens at the London Palladium on May 8 and replaces Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical “Cats”.

Salim was in the city for the Indian Idol Junior’ auditions.

He said the show focuses more on Indian folk.

“It is not just about Bollywood. Folk songs and dances like those from West Bengal, Odisha, Rajasthan (kalbelia), Punjab (Gidda, Bhangra) have been given more importance,” he said.

Inputs by IANS