Greetings Curry Lovers!
Those of you who have been congratulating me on the lack of 'Bollywood' articles on the site are about to get a rude shock, for this issue is devoted entirely to the subject of the Indian Cinema Industry. Indeed Bolly-mania has gripped Selfridges and the Nation alike. This weekend sees the end of the 23 1/2 days of Bollywood at the London and Manchester-based department store. Opened with much fanfare by Bollywood Legend Amitabh Bachchan, bemused visitors to the Oxford street branch have been treated to dance sequences by Honey Kalaria's troupe, book signings and street food like pani puri whilst they browse through the designerwear and admire the recreation of Dimple Kapadia's home.

Stars of another sort were also out in full force last week at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2002 with Cherie Blair, Helena Kennedy QC, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lord Paul, Diana Hayden, Meera Syal, Nina Wadia and a host of other celebrities all tring to fit onto the top table we hear.

Amitabh brings 'Bollywood' to Selfridges	Asian Women of Achievement 2002
Legendary Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan, nearly brought London's Oxford Street to a stand still as he joined a host of celebrities to the launch the 'Bollywood' season at Selfridges last night. read more	At a glittering awards ceremony last night, a delighted Baroness Prashar of Runnymede was awarded the Chairman's Award for The Asian Women of Achievement (AWA) Awards 2002. Read more

Whilst the Bollywood clothes on show at Selfridges might be eye-wateringly expensive, they certainly are not short of glamour and did anyone else spot Frank Skinner wearing a Rohit Bal shirt on the Baddiel & Skinner show on TV last night? It was the black shirt with the embroidered circles. Either you'll have to take my word for it for run down to the store to catch a last-minute glimpse before the season ends on Sunday 26th May 2002.

Bollywood glamour in Womenswear	Cutting-edge design in Bollywood Menswear
Selfridges have sourced key collections from exclusive Indian Designers eveningwear ranges for the perfect Bollywood Glamour-puss appearance. Read more	Selfridges' buyers have trailed the shores of India to bring designs that celebrate Bollywood. The colours are mainly neutral shades of beige, camel, white and black. The fabrics are natural and of the highest quality read more

Leaving no Thali unturned and no Tiffin-box unopened, Selfridges have also called upon top chefs from the Taj Group of Hotels to serve you.....wait for it.....street food like pani puri and baida! These Delhi-belly inducing snacks can be tried out safely in the Food Hall and should any tummy upsets occur there are Ayurvedic treatments in store too.

The lavish recreation of Dimple Kapadia's home by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla is worth the visit alone. No expense has been spared and every taste has been catered for.

Bollywood Homes	Selfridges takes up the 'curry' theme
Selfridges have recreated the home of real-life Bollywood film star, Dimple Kapadia. The 333 square foot space is complete with a living room, bedroom, study, dining room and powder room is of a style only seen on film. Read more	From in-store spice markets to street food specialities like pani puri and baida (eggs), the Food Halls and restaurants of Selfridges, pay tribute to this most exciting and diverse of cuisines - Indian! read more

For those likely to fall into a "dhoon" at the end of the season, fear not....Watermans (formerly known as Watermans Arts Centre in case you were confused!) in Brentford have launched a 'Bollywood in Love' exhibition featuring some great film posters from the BFI (British Film Institute) collections. This runs until June 16th before going on tour. Also available are a host of great books, from the Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema to Nasreen Munni Kabri's new book Bollywood - The Indian Cinema Story.

Bollywood in Love Poster Exhibition	Bollywood Books
From courtship through romance, melodrama to fantasy, kitsch to 'song and dance'- all the vital ingredients for an epic 'Bollywood in Love' poster exhibition at Watermans from 23rd May - 16th June 2002. Read more	Read our overview of some of the hottest Bollywood Books, ranging from the Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema by Ashish Rajadhyaksha, Bollywood to The Indian Cinema Story by Nasreen Munni Kabir plus lots more. Read more