"Thrilled to be part of first Bollywood theme park"- Shantanu Maheshwari

Actor Shantanu Maheshwari, who has lent his voice for a character in the "Ra One" ride of Dubai's new upcoming theme park inspired by Bollywood, says he is "thrilled" to be a part of the project.

The Bollywood theme park, which is a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts and is expected to start in October 2016, will include cinematic simulation rides, live shows, party venues, shopping outlets and Broadway-style Bollywood musicals among others.

Shantanu shot with director Reema Kagti for the "Ra One" ride, a motion simulator ride based on superstar Shah Rukh Khan's film "Ra One".

He says it was an "amazing experience" for him.

"I'm thrilled to be part of first Bollywood theme park. I shot for three days with Reema. I'll be seen as a young CEO of a company with a mix of classy and sassy. One challenge I faced was that there was a scene which required me to dance like a non dancer," Shantanu said in a statement.

"Ironically, a choreographer had to come in not to teach me steps but rather to check if my steps matched to that of a non-dancer. Out and out it was an amazing experience and I can't wait to get the first on the ride when it opens," he added.

Apart from "Ra One", other Bollywood films which will be a part of the theme park include "Sholay", "Mughal-E-Azam" and "Krrish", among others.