Gaurav's Durban production

Bombay set to crush Durban

November 20, 2005 Edition 1

Mageshini Chetty

Indian actor Gaurav Chopra will play the lead role in Anant Singh's latest production, Bombay Crush, opening this week.

The play is South Africa's first large-scale West End-style musical and Singh's has bagged some famous faces to make the show a success.

Chopra, who has appeared in numerous TV shows, including Lavanya and Piya Ka Ghar on Zee TV, will star opposite Kajal Bagwandeen.

The 28-year-old actor from Mumbai said he was surprised that many people in Durban recognised him.

"I don't consider myself a big star, but when I go out during my break, people actually know me as an actor from Zee TV."

Choreographer Jay Pather has trained the cast to dance to popular Bollywood tunes.

"The dance sequences are high-energy and vibrant and they are complemented by the latest Bollywood fashions that will be worn by the cast members."

The story is about a Hindu man who falls in love with a Muslim woman. His father is very unhappy about it and decides to send him to Durban in the hope that he will forget about her.

The son then strikes a deal with his friend (Gaurav Chopra) and sends him to Durban instead.

Chopra, whose character is Muslim, comes to Durban and stays with Kajal Bagwandeen's family.

He has difficulty pretending to be a Hindu and adjusting to life in Durban.

Issues of the heart, together with cultural differences, are clearly outlined as the plot unfolds. Humour and drama are combined to make the show action-packed, fun-filled and technology driven.

It will premiere at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom's Izulu Theatre on November 29.

Sorry if posted earlier. Thought perhaps it would be interesting to read.