Bollywood comes alive at 'Kingdom of Dreams'

Gurgaon, Jan 29 (IANS) Bollywood celebrities like Javed Akhtar, Vivek Oberoi, Isha Sharvani, Shankar-Eshsaan-Loy came together for a sneak preview of 'Kingdom of Dreams' -- Bollywood's very own Broadway -- in Gurgaon Friday.

'Kingdom of Dreams' is owned by the Great Indian Nautanki Company, which is a joint venture between Wizcraft International Entertainment and Apra Group of Companies, owners of landmark properties such as 32nd Milestone and Galaxy Hotel and Spa.

Javed Akhtar is doing the story screenplay and dialogue, music is by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, choreography by Shiamak Davar, costume - Neeta Lulla, action stunts - Alan Amin, set design - Umang Kumar and the star cast includes Vivek Oberoi, Isha Sharvani and Gauhar Khan.

At the preview, Vivek Oberoi made a grand entry as he was hung in a harness and jumped from the top of Nautanki Mahal. Isha Sharvani stunned the audience with her acrobatic performance, dancing on the beats of 'Raat ke dhai baje' from the movie 'Kaminey' and the title track of 'Dil Bole Hadippa,' wearing a green colour ensemble.

Gauhar Khan gave a contemporary dance performance with typical Bollywood moves on famous chartbuster track 'Biddi jalaie Le' from the film 'Omkara'.

While the 850-seater Nautanki Mahal will showcase Bollywood musical everyday, an approximately 100,000 sq ft Culture Gully will be an air-conditioned arts, crafts and food boulevard.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda came to grace the event along with several Haryana government officials.

Spread across 5.88 acres of land, the 'Kingdom of Dreams', which offers Bollywood musicals, stage shows, theatre, performing arts, Indian culture, heritage, crafts, cuisine and shopping under one roof with an investment of RS.1.5 billion, is expected to open around May.