JUNE 20I3
introduction “It’s of no surprise to me that Birmingham is at the forefront of a celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema. The Bollywood phenomenon has taken the world by storm over the last century, and the Bollywood 100 in Birmingham festival looks set to bring that magic to new audiences as well as die-hard fans of this unique genre. Birmingham has a proud history of shared cultural experiences amongst our many diverse communities, and this “superdiversity” is what makes us such a welcoming and vibrant city. People all over the world are now huge fans of Indian cinema, and I’m pleased that Birmingham has also been the location for a number of Indian films, bringing much needed recognition, jobs and investment into the film industry locally. I’m delighted to welcome visiting guests to Birmingham, and to invite you to enjoy the sights and sounds of what promises to be a feast for all the senses as sampad, Endboard and partners present the Bollywood 100 in Birmingham festival” Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council
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Birmingham-raised singer/rapper Hard Kaur will receive an honorary award from Birmingham City Council on 7 June in recognition of her special contribution to Bollywood. An accomplished hip hop singer and actress, she is often credited as the first female Indian rapper. www.hardkaurworld.com
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Bollywood 100 in Birmingham Festival VIP ambassadors Abhay Deol
Abhay Deol is an actor who doesn’t fit into the usual Bollywood mould. Born into an illustrious film family (his uncle is the legendary Dharmendra, his cousins are Sunny and Bobby Deol), he could have easily chosen to be another Bollywood star making popular films that appeal to a wide audience. Instead, he decided that he was in a position to make a unique contribution to Indian cinema. He has done this with his choice of interesting, off-beat and often edgy projects, working with many first-time directors. Through it all, he has worked to make his films connect with their target audiences. After a string of challenging roles, he is now being recognised as an actor who has created a niche for himself through his choice of scripts and directors, mixing ‘outside-the-box’ cinema with a style of acting that is both fresh and promising. This trademark sets Abhay apart from other actors in the context of the “star-driven” Indian film industry.
Zeenat Aman
Zeenat Aman took the now familiar route of beauty pageant winner to silver-screen actress and her entry to Indian cinema was like a breath of fresh air. At a time when the portrayal of women seemed to be cast in an outdated stereotypical sari-clad version of Sita, Zeenat revolutionised the depiction of Indian women by bringing the western heroine look to Indian cinema. Zeenat was, in every sense, a forerunner of today’s modern urban Indian woman. She was the first Indian actress who refused a bouffant and cropped a bob at the height of her career and hardly appeared in saris and bindis. She could easily carry off a bikini dress without looking vulgar and took on roles of women who made no excuses and took no prisoners. She excelled as the modern woman in control of her life and her choices. Her characters contemplated abortion to pursue a career in Ajnabee (1974), dumped a poor lover to pursue a rich man in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), and still managed to win audiences’ approval. The present generation of actresses owe her a debt of gratitude.
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Abhay Deol and Zeenat Aman will be receiving honorary awards from Birmingham City Council on 13 June, in recognition of their special contribution to Indian cinema.
welcome to Bollywood 100 in Birmingham Sampad is thrilled to be working alongside arts, culture & media partners across Birmingham to mark the achievements of the Indian film industry and to commemorate its prolific output, which is known and loved throughout the world. The Bollywood 100 in Birmingham festival will capture the glitz, glamour, music, dance, drama and style of one of the biggest film industries in the world, with a lively programme of film screenings and family-friendly events. We are truly grateful to all of the Festival partners, sponsors and funders for their tremendous contributions; with special thanks to Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England for their support. Don’t forget to keep an eye on www.sampad.org.uk/ bollywood100inbirmingham for Festival news and updates! Piali Ray OBE Director, sampad
piali ray obe
Indian films are going through a remarkable period of change, which makes the film scene really exciting at the moment. The new generation of directors and storytellers want to get away from the previous formulaic fare and make films that reflect events and life in India and abroad. That’s why I am especially excited that, along with many other creative organisations in the city, Endboard Productions is part of the celebrations to mark 100 years of Indian Cinema, here in Birmingham. Indian cinema (more popularly referred to as Bollywood) has played an important part in the lives of Asians in around Birmingham. In the 1960s it was the most popular form of family entertainment. The ties are becoming even stronger with many Bollywood films using Birmingham and its surrounding areas as a location. This has boosted the local economy by over £3million. Bollywood films, songs and dance continue to entertain and inspire. So I look forward to your company at all the events we have got planned in June. It promises to be fun.
Sunandan Walia
Sunandan Walia Director, Endboard Productions
About the Festival Producers
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Since 1990, sampad has been a leading cultural organisation helping to establish South Asian arts within mainstream culture in Birmingham and across the UK. Through production, promotion, performances, advocacy, education and outreach activity, using the diverse artforms originating from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, sampad nurtures and supports British Asian arts and communities. www.sampad.org.uk
Endboard is run by brothers Sunandan and Yugesh Walia. The company has a very successful track record of producing & directing international documentaries for all the UK channels telling stories from different parts of the world. Its work is regularly picked by critics as essential viewing, sold worldwide and included in film festivals around the world. The brothers are currently on the cusp of making their first theatrical British feature film set in Birmingham. The Bounty Hunter will be an English language contemporary thriller with acting stars from Mumbai. www.endboard.com
partners, funders & acknowledgements Partners
Funders
Media Partners
Print Media Partners
Special thanks to Marriott Hotel, Birmingham, Dharmesh Rajput, Rajni Sharma, Helen Annetts, Helen Stallard, Titikssha Shah, Hina & Co., Anita Champaneri, Parv Gandham, Kully Kaur and all of our volunteers.
music & dance
In association with mac birmingham
Sunday 9 June, 4pm
Bollywood’s Got Talent
BOA & Sampad. Photo: Tim Cross
Come & join the fun, as contestants show off their Bollywood-style singing and dance moves! Cheer them on as they battle it out to win Bollywood’s Got Talent trophies in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges including DCS front man, Shin Parwana (opposite) and BBC presenter, Satnam Rana. The afternoon also features a special performance by international Bollywood dancer/ choreographer, Sneha Mistry. BOOK NOW TO BE PART OF THE AUDIENCE! Venue mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH Tickets £8 (£6 concessions) Ticket Office/Online Booking 0121 446 3232 / www.macarts.co.uk
dance
Presented by Sampad in association with Solihull Arts Complex and Anjali Dance
Tuesday 11 June, 7.30pm
Bollywood – the Cabaret
Venue Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull B91 3RG Tickets £12 (£10 concessions) Ticket Office/Online Booking 0121 704 6962 / www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk
Photo: Alicia Bendito
Exclusive UK premiere of the dynamic dance show, with a Spanish twist! Led by international choreographer Sneha Mistri, Bollywood – the Cabaret tells the story of a dance company and the secrets, bitter rivalries and unrequited love between its young stars. This sumptuous celebration of the music, movement and colour of Bollywood, features classical Indian dance fusion, funk, jazz and ballet, accompanied by a stunning soundtrack of new and classic Bollywood hits. Includes a special 10 minute curtain-raiser performance from Solihull-based Anjali Dance.
special event
Sampad in association with BBC Asian Network
Thursday 13 June, 7pm
Bollywood 100 in Birmingham Gala Dinner including charity auction in aid of Cure Leukaemia
Join us at this unique gala dinner for an evening of glittering entertainment including:
Zeenat Aman
H Special guests Bollywood legend, Zeenat Aman and acclaimed actor, Abhay Deol with BBC presenters DJ Bobby Friction and Satnam Rana H Welcome drinks H Three course dinner H Sizzling live performance by international dancers H Performance by up-and-coming singing sensation Deen Janjua H Bollywood fashion show H A chance to win exclusive merchandise in a charity auction in aid of Cure Leukaemia
Abhay Deol
H After dinner DJ (and your chance to show off your Bollywood moves on the dancefloor!) Venue Banqueting Suite, Edgbaston Stadium, County Cricket Ground, Birmingham B5 7QU Tickets Premium seat £80 Premium table of ten £760 Standard seat £70 Standard table of ten £665 (Table bookings include a discount of 5%)
DJ Bobby Friction
Satnam Rana
Online Booking only http://bollywood100galadinner.eventbrite.co.uk
Free Family Fun
In partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome
Saturday 22 June, 12pm - 5pm
Bollywood 100 Mela
The Bollywood 100 Mela promises free family fun with dance performances, arts and crafts, henna painting and a special live set by talented vocalist Ambika Jois. Venue The Arcadian, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TD
Ambika Jois, Photo: Clive Haynes
Tickets Free
Photo: Paul Machacek
Southside will be ablaze with the sights, sounds and colours of Bollywood on Saturday 22 June, as Birmingham Hippodrome joins forces with The Arcadian and Sampad to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema.
In partnership with Town Hall, Birmingham
music & dance
Saturday 22 June, 7pm
Yaadein Sau Saal Ki ( ‘Memories of 100 years’)
An evening of much-loved Bollywood film songs performed live with a full orchestra, to take you on a journey through the decades. Featuring a spectacular line-up of hugely popular Bollywood vocalists from Echoes International and Bollywood dance performances choreographed by Subhash Gorania, finalist on Hrithik Roshan’s ‘Just Dance!’ The evening will evoke memories of Lata Mangeshkar and Rajesh Khanna and celebrate the more recent sounds of Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam.
Venue Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ Tickets £15, £12 (15% off for under 16s, over 60s and unwaged)* Ticket Office/Online Booking 0121 780 3333 / www.thsh.co.uk * £2.50 fee per transaction will be charged by THSH Box Office on all bookings, except purchases made in person
Presented by sampad & Surdhwani in association with Bramall Music Building
music & dance
Sunday 30 June, 7pm
JALSA – Classical in Bollywood
Venue Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Tickets £8/£6 Ticket Office/Online Booking Advance ticket sales: 0121 345 0492 www.birmingham.ac.uk/bramall/events
Photo: RKL Photography
An evening celebrating Bollywood’s classical Indian music with popular singers Sanyogita Kumari and Sanchita Pal and dance performances.
EXhibition
In partnership with The Drum
Until 29 June, Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm FREE exhibition, no tickets required
Bollywood 100 film poster exhibition
Bollywood film posters have had a fascinating journey over the years: from gracing walls outside cinema houses as advertising to the masses during Bollywood’s golden era, to becoming highly sought-after visual art prints for collectors and film buffs today. This exhibition pulls together selected posters from the last 100 years including iconic films such as Shri 420, Deewar, Mother India, Sholay and Pakeezah. Showcased alongside the posters are rare photographic stills and booklets made in the UK to publicise films at local cinema halls in Birmingham. Venue The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU Further information www.the-drum.org.uk
dance
In partnership with Colmore Business District
Wednesday 12 June, 12.00pm-5.30pm
FREE DANCE WORKSHOPS Colmore Business District (CBD) has partnered with Sampad to provide three free-of-charge outdoor Bollywood dance workshops in Snow Hill Station Square. The workshops will be led by the dynamic Madridbased Bollywood dance choreographer, Sneha Mistri. A huge success in Spain, Sneha will teach a fun, engaging, and highly entertaining dance routine. Come along and join in!
Workshop Times: 12.00pm to 12.30pm 1.00pm to 1.30pm 5.00pm to 5.30pm To register a place, please contact CBD Events & Communications Manager, Tahreen Kutub, with your preferred session: tahreen-k@colmorebusinessdistrict.com
Colmore Business District delivers improvement projects and services to enhance the commercial quarter of Birmingham. CBD has organised and supported a host of creative and community activities in the District to add to the vibrancy of the area. These have included the CBD Food Festival, live music performances, outdoor photography exhibitions, film festivals, arts markets and CBD’s choir, Colmore Chorus.
Film Screenings Om Shanti Om (12) (162 mins) Friday 7 June at 7.30pm
The Giant Screen at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG All tickets £5.00 India | Hindi | 2007 | Subtitled Director: Farah Khan. Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Shreyas Talpade, Kirron Kher An all singing, all dancing, love story crossing 3 decades and 2 incarnations as Om (Shah Rukh Khan) chases his dreams to become a superstar and falls in love with 70s superstar Shantipriya (Deepika Padukone). www.giantscreencinema.co.uk HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Navinland on Screen (short films by visual artist Navin Rawanchaikul) Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June, showings at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Events Room, Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS FREE ENTRY As part of the celebrations for Bollywood 100 in Birmingham, the Ikon Gallery will be screening two short films by visual artist Navin Rawanchaikul, including Navins of Bollywood (2006), a 10 minute musical film directed by Mumbai-based Director Naren Mojidra. www.ikon-gallery.co.uk
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Abhay Deol in Conversation including a free screening of Dev D (15) (144 mins) Monday 10 June at 6.30pm
The Giant Screen at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG All tickets for In Conversation £6.50 India | Hindi | 2009 | Subtitled Director: Anurag Kashyap Cast: Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, Mahie Gill Abhay Deol talks about his life and career and takes questions from the audience followed by a screening of his contemporary love story, Dev D, based on the classic novel ‘Devdas’. Dev (Abhay Deol) spurns his childhood sweetheart Paro (Mahie Gill) and seeks solace in the arms of Chanda (Kalki Koechlin). ww.giantscreencinema.co.uk
Film Screenings Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (PG) followed by Q&A with Abhay Deol (135 mins) Wednesday 12 June at 6pm
The Electric, 47–49 Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY Free screening followed by Q&A, tickets £7 (£5 concs) India | Hindi | 2008 | Subtitled Director: Dibakar Banerjee Cast: Abhay Deol, Neetu Chandra, Paresh Rawal, Anurag Arora, Richa Chadda, Manu Rishi, Rajinder Sethi, Archana Puran Singh, Manjot Singh In this comedy inspired by a true story, Lucky (Abhay Deol), a young middle class boy from Delhi is a roguish thief who charms Delhi society to become one of the most wanted master thieves of India with a hoard of loot, a glamorous lifestyle, cars, women, and a fan following, making him an instantly loveable anti-hero. www.theelectric.co.uk HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Pyaasa (U) (146 mins) Saturday 15 June at 7.30pm
mac birmingham cinema, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Tickets £7 (£5 concs) India | Hindi | 1957 | Subtitled Director: Guru Dutt Cast: Guru Dutt, Mala Sinha, Waheeda Rehman, Johnny Walker, Rehman Vijay (Guru Dutt), a struggling poet in post-independence India, is shunned by his family and society in this soulful, romantic film. Unable to bear their taunts he leaves home and befriends a prostitute, Gulabo (Waheeda Rehman), who enamoured by his poetry falls in love with him and helps to get his poems published. Ironically, Vijay’s poems succeed when everyone thinks that he is dead. In a cinematic climax Vijay turns up at his own memorial service to denounce a cruel and corrupt world. www.macarts.co.uk
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Don (U) (175 mins) Sunday 16 June at 10am
mac birmingham cinema, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH All tickets £5 India | Hindi | 1978 | Subtitled Director: Chandra Barot Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Helen, Iftekar Amitabh Bachchan plays a double role in this classic 70s action blockbuster filled with deceit and entrapment. Roma (Zeenat Aman) seeks revenge after the powerful and elusive criminal, Don (Amitabh Bachchan) kills her brother. However, when Don himself is killed, the police seek the help of lookalike, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) to convince everybody that Don is still alive and capture the rest of the gang. As the web of confusion unfolds, the chase begins. www.macarts.co.uk
Film Screenings Sardari Begum (12) (119 mins) Introduced by Sangeeta Datta Tuesday 18 June at 6pm
The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU All tickets £5 India | Hindi | 1996 | Subtitled Director: Shyam Benegal Cast: Kirron Kher, Amrish Puri, Surekha Sikri, Rajit Kapur, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Uttara Baokar, Smirti Mishra Based on a true story, this lavish melodrama tells the tragic tale of Sardari Begum played by Kirron Kher. The popular singer and courtesan is killed by a stone thrown by an agitated mob during riots in Delhi. When Tehzeeb Abbasi (Rajini Raj Bisaria) reports on the riots she finds her father amongst the mourners at Sardari Begum’s funeral and she investigates further to uncover a tale that affects her personally. www.the-drum.org.uk
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Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (PG) (148 mins) Sunday 23 June at 7pm
Screen at Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2JF FREE outdoor screening India | Hindi | 2011 | Subtitled Director: Zoya Akhtar Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin Kabir (Abhay Deol), Imraan (Farhan Akhtar) and Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), best friends since school, are all the verge of making various life-changing commitments. They decide to honour a long-standing pact and take a three-week bachelor road trip to Spain. Their adventurous journey leads them to face their fears, alter their perceptions and learn to seize the day in this feel good, life-affirming movie. www.brindleyplace.com HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Do Bigha Zamin (U) (142 mins)
Thursday 27 June at 7pm
The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU All tickets £5 India | Hindi | 1953| Subtitled Director: Bimal Roy Cast: Balraj Sahni, Nirupa Roy, Ratan Kumar, Jagdeep, Murad, Nana Palsikar, Meena Kumari, Noor Jahan Following the plight of Bengali famers living hand to mouth through cycles of drought and flood, this is an important film in the early parallel cinema of India. The film follows the trials and tribulations of farmer, Shambhu (Balraj Sahni) and his wife Paro (Nirupa Roy) as they fight against wealthy businessmen to pay off the debt on their two acres of land while battling to keep their family unit intact. www.the-drum.org.uk