WANT TO BE THE NEXT BOLLYWOOD STAR?
(31 October 2003)

Bollywood films are huge, have enormous cultural crossover appeal and have never been more fashionable - but there has never been a British Bollywood superstar. Many Bollywood directors don't believe that Brits look the part - so now Channel 4 is turning its attention to finding the first British Bollywood superstar - an unknown who will win the opportunity of a lifetime, a part in a major movie made by acclaimed Bollywood director Karan Johar.

UK auditions for Bollywood Star will be held in Birmingham in December 2003. Application forms (see below) must be submitted with a photograph no later than 25th November 2003. Applicants must be over 18 and have serious star potential. The competition is open to both male and female applicants.

Twenty successful people will then go through to the grand final in January. Following a competitive selection process, six finalists will be sent to Mumbai in early 2004 to learn the art of Bollywood acting and dancing, as well as be groomed by top costume designers and stylists before working with movie director Karan Johar. For some, the trip to India may also offer a journey of self-discovery - taking them to the homes of their parents and grandparents, for the first time.

The would-be film stars will go through their paces in front of a distinguished panel. Confirmed panellists on Bollywood Star include Anthony Van Laast, the choreographer behind Bombay Dreams, Joseph and Jesus Christ Superstar and Radio 1 DJ Bobby Friction. Two additional panellists will be announced in November.

Bollywood Star will be produced by Birmingham-based independent Maverick Television. Executive producers are Richard McKerrow and Nasreen Munni Kabir and series producer is Harry Lansdown. The series has been commissioned by Nav Raman, Editor Entertainment and Heather Rabbatts, Managing Director 4Learning. The series will broadcast on Channel in the summer of 2004.

* CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 25/11/2003 *
Click here for a 'Bollywood Star' application form (84Kb, doc)
Click here to visit the Channel 4 Bollywood site.