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Bollywood's biggest and best gather for Dome extravaganza
Valentine Low, Evening Standard3 Jul 2008
They are some of the best known names in Indian cinema - and they will be performing at the biggest live indoor Bollywood event seen in Britain.
Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, now an established actress, will be joining actor husband Abhishek Bachchan and father-in-law Amitabh - once described as a cross between Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino and Elvis Presley - for a Best of Bollywood spectacular at The O2 arena.
The family is regarded as Bollywood's equivalent to royalty.
Since winning Miss World in 1994, Rai has appeared in numerous Bollywood films as well as western movies including The Mistress Of Spices.
The Unforgettable Tour will visit London on 24 August and will have a special guest star in the form of Shilpa Shetty, the actress and model who has appeared in more than 50 Bollywood films and was at the centre of a Celebrity Big Brother racism row last year.
Shetty was the victim of bullying from her housemates Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd. The actress went on to win, her career enhanced by the controversy.
She was even invited to a reception at the House of Commons, where she met Tony Blair.
Amitabh Bachchan said: "The tour is an expression to show our gratitude to the fans of Indian cinema worldwide. It is a privilege to be on a platform that is committed to create thrilling performances for our fans across the globe. It will be doubly joyous for me because
I'll have my family and some of India's most sought after actors joining this tour."
Also taking in Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Atlantic City, New York and Vancouver, the tour is one of the first Bollywood spectaculars to have a green theme. It will use the minimum possible amount of electricity.
Bachchan added: "We should reach out to the millions across the world and make them aware of the dire consequences of global warming and the simple steps that can be taken to save the earth. It's our world, let's cool it."
Other stars appearing at the Dome in Greenwich include starlet Preity Zinta and comedian Ritesh Deshmukh, while the dance moves will be arranged by India's top choreographer, Shiamak Davar.
