A taste of Bollywood

Known for being boisterous, vibrant and outrageous, the Bollywood film industry certainly knows a thing or two about drama.

Indeed, everything we’ve come to know and love about these movies – the elaborate dance and dream sequences, gorgeous costumes and witty dialogue – have made it the largest film industry in the world. So it’s certainly hard to imagine that the movie that started it all, D. Phalke’s ‘Raja Harishchandra’, was a black and white film, and a silent one at that.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hindi cinema this month, we decided to scour the capital to find out how you can immerse yourself in all things Bollywood…

Move like Madhuri

Like butter to popcorn, no Bollywood film would be complete without a few synchronised dance numbers. Contagious, catchy and colourful it’s no surprise that cinema-goers can find themselves submitted to rogue audience members dancing down the aisles, joining with their favourite film stars on screen.

In desperate search of a way to join the ranks of our favourite dancing queens (we like Madhuri Dixit, Rekha and Aishwarya Rai) we contacted dance instructor Sangeetha Kevin to help us brush up our skills.

Originally from Kerala, Kevin has lived in the capital for one year. A dancer since childhood, after moving she longed for an outlet to connect with others while sharing her passion for dance. “I work full-time and teach dance lessons on the side. For me, it’s a way of life. My goal is to one day open up a dance studio here in the city.”

Teaching lessons in Bollywood dance, Indian contemporary and folk dance, Kevin explains that all forms of movement come from the Bharatanatyam, a purely classical form of dance.

“It is the root of dance, and every other form of dance comes from here. The most important concepts in this type of dancing are Mudras, or special hand movements and eye expressions.”

Bollywood dancing is the easiest form to master, she tells us. Focusing on the curve movements, dancers use their arms, chest and hips in time to the music, with no particular need to convey a message.

After our brief history lesson we are ready to test out our skills. Starting with a count of eight beats, we practise a few basic moves before putting it all together with music. We watch in amazement as our petite teacher transforms before us. With each count, she twists and turns in a blur, expertly moving in time.

So what’s the verdict? We may not be in same league as our favourite film actresses, but the hour lesson has taught us some new moves and provided a great workout. We loved it!

Aaja Nachle! Come, Let’s Dance! Kevin teaches dance lessons to women and children. AED 250 for eight hours of lessons. For more information email: [email protected]

Bring Bollywood home

Deck your home in artwork inspired by classic film posters at Gallery One. Located in the Souk Qaryat Al Beri, this gallery offers an ‘Art of Bollywood’ vintage collection with film posters from the 1960s and 1980s. For more information call: 02 558 1822

Filmy fashions

No Indian film would be complete without elaborate sets and costumes. If you’re keen to look the part, then check out some of our favourite shops to pick up red-carpet-ready outfits

Bareeze Embroidered Classics

To dress up your closet, a visit to this boutique is a must. We especially like the ready-made items available for purchase that are both trendy and timeless. Hamdan Street, 02 672 2602

Khaadi

It can’t get much easier than this. The items on offer here include great everyday items to stuff your wardrobe. With a selection for both men and women, you can make sure you and your hero are dressed to the nines. Al Wahda Mall Extension, 02 443 4550

Junaid Jamshed

Recording artist turned fashion guru, Junaid Jamshed certainly knows how to dress others. We recommend you check out the men’s selection over here, as it’s second to none! Al Wahda Mall, 02 491 3306

Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

To complete your look head over to this shopping centre. Filled with a variety of kiosks and shops selling bangles, traditional Indian jewellery and accessories, this is one-stop-shopping at its best. Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, 02 633 3311

Sawaiba Khan

Sa Re Ga Ma!

If the music makes the movies, we thought we’d head straight to the source to find out more. Abu Dhabi Week speaks with Radio Mirchi’s RJ Aashi

Did you always want to be a DJ? 

Frankly speaking, I wanted to be a doctor, then an airhostess, then a travel photographer! I got involved in the radio because they promised me I could play the songs that I love and they would give me good food. The food is OK, but my boss uses her    veto power on the playlist. Feel a little cheated now!

Tell us about your show?   

I do a show called Mirchi Mornings on Radio Mirchi UAE. It’s a breakfast show, which is all about keeping the listeners abreast with the current local, national and international news – with a Mirchi (spicy) angle!

Can you tell us more about Bollywood music? What is it all about?

In Hollywood they make musicals like Chicago and Moulin Rouge where there is a song for every situation. Bollywood is all about that and more. We love the song and dance routine and Bollywood ensures that we are never starved for it!

How does music work in these films? 

Sometimes the music takes the story forward. Like I said, we like to create a dream world where everything is pretty and larger-than-life, and music is an integral part of it. Music also helps in promoting a film prior to its release. Good music means they have captured the audience’s attention and curiosity already.

Which artists and songs are topping the charts at the moment? 

Sunidhi Chauhan has always been a rockstar. Songs like Balam Pichkari, Dilliwaali Girlfriend, Khoon Choos Le are super fun. And if you are in the mood for romance, Tum Hi Ho and Yaaram should be part of your personal playlist.

To catch Aashi’s show, check out Mirchi Mornings from 6am to 11am, Sunday to Thursday. Or on Saturday, the Mirchi Top 20 is on from 6pm to 9pm. 97.3 in Abu Dhabi and 95.6 in Al Ain.