Bombay Dreams, a Bollywood-themed musical, is all set to create ripples at the Alhamra Art Council from April 6 to April 20.

Originally, the play was an Andrew Lloyd Webber production, created by famous Indian music director AR Rahman. The plot has been written by Meera Syal. Directed by Shah Sharabeel, the current play is an adaptation of the original one in accordance with the local scenario.

The story of the play revolves around an ambitious young guide, Aakash, who is brought up by his mother and lives in the slums. He fantasises about being a Bollywood star. The story unknots two Sikhs, Honey Singh and Money Singh, announcing that they will build elite apartments on slum land. Meanwhile, a young lawyer named Vikram arrives along with his fiancée, Priya. He offers his services to save the slums. Priya later offers Aakash a shot in Bollywood and takes him to Mumbai, where he experiences a side of the city he had never imagined. Complications arise as Akaash faces the reality of showbiz, fame, his love for Priya, and his obligations to his family, friends, and his paradise slum. The play beautifully hints at the identity issues confronting human beings. Bombay Dreams is being staged in Lahore for the first time, after enthralling audiences in Islamabad.

Director Sharabeel said that the play was one of the most expensive plays put on in Pakistan, costing Rs 3 million. The play comprises a huge cast of 75 characters - 25 female and 50 male artists. "The play has been coloured in a local fashion to make it look like real. Though the play is in English, it proceeds in such a fashion that a person not familiar with English can very well understand it. The actors have been working hard and we hope to have a big crowd in the support," said Sharabeel. Interestingly, all the actors are from various educational institutions, and none of them is a professional. Students form the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), National College of Arts (NCA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore School of Economics (LSE), Kinnaird College (KC) and Lahore Grammar School (LGS) are participating in the musical. "The play is known for its rhythmic tones composed by AR Rahman and will definitely cheer the audience," Sharabeel concluded.