The Oscar-winner Slumdog Millionaire focused the world's attention on India's film center, Bollywood, and now the fabulous Indian musical The Merchants of Bollywood comes to Beijing.

Based on a true story, its is about Vaibhavi Merchant, a well-known Bollywood choreographer, and her grandfather Hiralalji Merchant.

In the story, the heroine Ayesha is drawn to the bright lights of Bollywood and decides to leave her grandfather, Shabtilal. But filial piety eventually takes her back to fulfill her grandfather's wishes.

And like any typical Bollywood film, all this love, longing and struggle is expressed through a generous dose of music and dance by a cast of 40 artists.

The 120-minute show will feature more than 1,200 costumes and 2,500 accessories from India.

Indian culture reveres music and dance and considers them divine gifts. Music is believed to be a boon from the Goddess of learning, Saraswati, and dance's cosmic connection is the dancing lord, Natarja. Both of these images can be seen in the musical.

7:30 pm, Sept 25-29
Poly Theater, Dongsi Shitiao, Chaoyang district, Beijing
800-810-8798, 6504-6966

7:15 pm, Oct 5-7
Shanghai Oriental Art Center, Opera Hall, 423 Dingxiang Lu
021-6854-1234

(China Daily September 11, 2009)