Dubai: When Local Heroes Rub Shoulders with Bollywood Stars...

by Daijiworld News Network

Dubai, Nov 29: Bollywood is the most glamorous concept, for many. Bollywood-related news and pictures sell most because of the glamour involved.

Dayan with Urwashi Sharmaa

In Dubai, Bollywood is a rage. When Aishwarya was shooting an advertisement clip in Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, the traffic came to a standstill. Many drivers forgot that they are on a highway or main road, and stopped their cars as they wanted to have a glimpse of the super beauty!

Whenever Amitabh and Sharukh were here, people have been seen going crazy over them, just to see their favorite hero. Looking at this craze of the Dubai-based Indian and Pakistani crowds, a young guy, who just arrived from Mumbai on a visit visa for job, commented, "In Mumbai, no one will care even if Amitabh walks alone in the street. But here if people see him, there will be a traffic jam and shopping malls will all be full!'

Dayan with Abbas Mastan brothers

It is interesting to know that a Hindi movie, yet to be given a title, is being shot here in Dubai since November 1 and according to informed sources the shooting will continue until December 15.

The crew of the movie, directed by Abbas Mastan and his brothers, has chosen many lovely spots within the Dubai and Sharjah vicinity. These days, many Hindi movie producers and directors choose Dubai for their location shooting, thus giving it an edge over Singapore, Mauritius and other places.

On Tuesday, November 28, 2006, it was a busy Bollywood shooting day at St Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai. Bollywood stars Bobby Deol and Urwashi Sharmaa were the lead pair. The shooting crew wanted a person to play the role of the priest. It was not easy to get someone that easily and at short notice. In fact, they had to look for an actor who could effectively perform the priest's role too.

Dayan D`Souza of Daiji Dubai Writers' Forum is a veteran of priest's roles. Out of the several roles he has so far played on Konkani stage in Dubai, if you ask him, he liked the priest's role the most and he has performed the priest's role the most number of times!

The film crew got to know of this and accordingly Dayan got a summons to act as assistant priest in a nuptial scene. He rose to the occasion and played it convincingly. And directors had fully satisfied about his role, short though.

"Whether the role is short or big, I got an opportunity here; that is important. It was a thrilling experience. The stars are down-to-earth and very friendly. For just 10 minutes' role, I had to spend a full day with the team!" said Dayan to Daijiworld.

A scene inside the Church

"My younger brother Stevan has had opportunities for acting and dancing in several Bollywood movies in Mumbai. But I never expected that some day I too would get to take up a role  in a Bollywood movie," added Dayan excitedly.

The movie is set to be released in May 2007, but the title is yet to be decided upon.

It is a nice experience for local heroes like him and others who got a chance to rub shoulders with Bollywood stars.