Curtain up for Bollywood star

Reporter: Iram Ramzan
Date published: 24 September 2014



THE prospect of a legendary Bollywood star performing in Oldham has ignited interest in the borough’s South Asian communities.

Dozens of fans attended a preview of Rifco Arts’ new play, “Happy Birthday Sunita”, at the Oldham Coliseum, where the show plays from October 7.

Legendary Indian actress Shabana Azmi is embarking on her first UK theatre tour for Rifco, playing the matriarch Tejpal.

Regarded as one of India’s finest actresses, Azmi’s career spans four decades and many awards, including five Indian national film awards for best actress. She has starred in over 100 films.

Written by writer and actress Harvey Virdi, “Happy Birthday Sunita” introduces audiences to a British Punjabi family on the evening of daughter Sunita’s fortieth birthday. The reclusive birthday girl, played by newcomer Clara Indrani, is nowhere to be seen.

Also in the cast is Ameet Chana, who starred in “Bend It Like Beckham” and “EastEnders”.

Kevin Shaw, the Coliseum’s artistic director, said: “It’s going to be a fabulous show and I’m hoping we will be able to get a really brilliant, integrated audience to watch it. Everyone can relate to the work they do. I’m really looking forward to it.”