Brace yourself for ...

Bollywood’s musical version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’

KARISHMA DIPA

IT HAS been dubbed the Romeo and Juliet of Bollywood and now the musical version of the film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, is coming to Joburg.

Producer, director and choreographer Shivani Kara told the Saturday Star that the “Gauteng audience was starved for local professional Bollywood productions” and reckoned this musical would satisfy their cravings.

She said the musical received raving reviews when presented in Durban in 2012 and she hopes for the same reaction when it makes its debut at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre.

“We did this production in 2012 and we had 12 sold-out shows,” she said.

“The audiences wanted to know why, after sitting for two-and-a-half hours, the show was short? So, for Gauteng, we have changed the script and changed the music to suit the times.

“Every song was selected for the purpose of telling a story and enhancing emotions. We have added a few extras to leave the audiences mesmerised.”

Kara took a five-year hiatus from her stage production work but decided to stage her comeback with this musical.

“It has the perfect mix for all Bollywood fans and, to celebrate my comeback, I found this to be the perfect showcase to wow the audiences.”

She added that the musical, which is the work of Eastern Moves Productions, incorporated a multiracial cast.

Kara explained that she considered the hugely successful Bollywood film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to be as unforgettable as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and it was for this reason that they decided to base the musical, written by Yujir Rampersadh, accordingly.

“The movie made people all over the world want to see more Bollywood, encouraged us to create this musical, as love, friendships, strife, heartbreak and joy are part of everyone’s life.

“What better way to project these emotions than through dance and music, the Bollywood way?”

The show will run from December 7 to 9. Tickets are available at Computicket and Gold Reef City Box Office.