If you visit London or any part of Britain in the next few weeks, chances are that you will run into Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Yash Chopra or Aamir Khan, or an Indian crew shooting in the sylvan countryside.


Bollywood has been in focus in various ways.

Films featuring Rishi Kapoor, Suneil Shetty and others are currently being shot in picturesque locations in north Staffordshire and north Wales.

The major film distribution group, Eros International, announced that it had raised 22.5 million pounds in an offering on London’s Alternate Investment Market (AIM).

Meanwhile, across Yorkshire, local authorities have begun preparations to host next year’s International India Film Awards (IIFA).

In nearby east Midlands, thousands of Bachchan fans are eagerly awaiting his arrival to receive an honorary degree at the De Montfort University on July 19.

The Indian film industry is the flavour of a major event in London’s cultural calendar next week as the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) presents a series of events to celebrate and explore contemporary Bollywood cinema.

The series, titled ‘BAFTA Goes Bollywood’ and to be held on July 14-16, will see screenings of major Hindi films such as “Dil Chahta Hai”, “Devdas”, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” and also ‘masterclasses’ and interviews by leading lights such as Shah Rukh, Chopra, Aamir, Preity and Karan Johar.

BAFTA chairman Duncan Kenworthy said: “The Academy is delighted to host this exciting event, which celebrates and investigates the broad appeal, outstanding creative talent and unparalleled production values that characterise Bollywood cinema.

“With a significant and growing impact on UK audiences, Bollywood films are increasingly popular around the world. We are honoured to bring some of Bollywood’s most influential artists to London, to recognise their achievements and to learn from their expertise.”