India's Bollywood Film Song and Dance Troupe will showcase some of their colourful classics at a special show at the city's Workers' Gymnasium.

Bollywood, India's answer to the world's movie capital, Hollywood, is renowned for churning out bright and breezy song and dance spectaculars.

Each year, a staggering 250-odd films are released, many of them packing in half-a-dozen songs accompanied by colourful Indian dances.

Since the early 1980s, the genre has wooed a substantial Chinese audience, attracted by the melodramatic plots, colourful costumes, unique music, passionate dancing and melodic songs.

The Beijing concert will showcase some of India's brightest talents juxtaposed with clips from the films concerned.

Singing and dancing set in royal courts, from wedding and festive celebrations and from Indian folklore, are all included in the show.

Ticket prices: 120-680 yuan (US$14.4-81.9)

Time/date: 7:30 pm, Jaunary 17, 18

Location: Workers' Gymnasium

Tel: 6501-6655

by Li Shuo

(Beijing Weekend January 14, 2003)