Entertainment

Asian News reporter Shelina Begum with Mahesh Bhatt
Asian News reporter Shelina Begum with Mahesh Bhatt

Bhatt’s Bradford dreams

Shelina Begum
29/10/2004

VETERAN Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt is to turn his attention for the first time on the British Asian scene.
The director, who flew in from India for the Bite the Mango film festival in Bradford, said his next movie will tackle racism and segregation between whites and Asians and Muslims and Hindus. He will focus on the lives of third generation Asians to explore these problems.
Said Bhatt: "I am currently doing research for the film but would like to base it in Bradford which has a large Asian community and will make a great setting.
"It's been a long ambition of mine to do a film about British Asians, their lives, their social problems and their future aims.
"Many people back home think Asians living in the UK have happier lives because they live in a developed country.
"But that is not the case. There are issues with racism, young people struggling with their identity, having problems with parents and trying to break out. I want to deal with these.
"The main setting will be a community centre which brings people together.
"Most importantly I will be casting talents from the UK Asian community to make the film realistic. It will be a good opportunity for many Asians to get their first acting break."
Bhatt, was a judge in Channel Four's Bollywood Star series. He cast the winner, Rupak Mann, in a film still being shot. But it was time in Britain that made him realise just what talent was available.
He said he admired the enthusiasm of British Asians in wanting to be part of Bollywood whether as actors or as fans.
The director whose hit films include Duplicate, Kartoos and Murder said: "Rupak will obviously pave the way for more British actors to make it into Bollywood.
"Just doing the show showed not only myself but also people in the film industry that we could use talent outside of India.
"What makes me proud is that Britain has given Bollywood its international fame.
"Asians here have taken Bollywood and embraced it. They showed that they are proud of their movie industry and this has been reflected everywhere from major shops, fashion, films and other countries then followed in Britain's footsteps by also embracing Bollywood openly.
"But of course being a Bollywood fan is not enough for a career in Mumbai. Only sheer talent and hard work will see an actor, make it to the top.
"Acting looks nice and glamourous on camera but it's hard work. Persistence will only see a person get through.
"It is a very tough industry and gets difficult at times but people must persevere and believe in themselves.
"They also need to be able to act and speak Hindi, that is important, you're not always going to become an over night star but the doors are open and there are plenty of opportunities."
Bhatt was joined at the festival by Rupak Mann.
In her debut Rupak plays a Mumbai mother and is returning to India to finish shooting.
She said: "Since winning the show my life has completely changed. I'm more confident, I am meeting so many interesting people so things couldn't be better.
"Life in India is great, I love it there and am seriously considering moving to Mumbai.
"Film acting is more difficult than I thought but I've learned so much and am meeting Bollywood actors all the time, which is fun. I've met Anil Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi who's a very nice and a very good-looking guy.
"My life has turned round so much since being on the show. I get stopped by a lot of people in the UK who want my autograph and it's something I never imagined would happen.
"I've also become a role model for bigger women. Many women have written to me about how I have inspired them to follow their dreams. I had always thought that my size will let me down in the competition but it's the complete opposite. I know now my size is not going to stop me from reaching the top."


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