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2000s: The biggest scandals happen off-camera…
2000s: The biggest scandals happen off-camera…
Zara Das is Bollywood’s hottest property, her every move watched by the eyes of the press. Riding high from the success of a string of blockbusters, she has the world at her feet, but the scandal from her latest film threatens to dethrone her as Bollywood’s reigning queen.
So when superstar director Raj Dillon stages a lavish retelling of Pride and Prejudice, moving the shoot from Mumbai’s soundstages to London, Zara knows this is the role that could put her back on top.
But behind the diamonds, designer clothes and seven-star hotels lies the truth of how Zara reached the top. And when a dead body is found in her hotel room, it seems that someone is determined to take Zara down.
What a wonderfully rich and colourful world we experience in Bollywood! The stars of the show here seem even more feted and celebrated thanb Hollywood are. They are the Kings and Queens of the country if not the world. So when one of them, Zara, gets held up at Heathrow Airport after having had the red carpet treatment in Mumbai, it’s quite comical and shows a world of contrasts.
The films, the wealthy, costumes and more are all so well evoked. When they move to London to make a film, their entourage and their demands travel with them.
Just as well The Mirage Hotel where Zara stays isn’t real, otherwise it would have probably closed down with the demands and numbers of people staying there. Oh the ‘help’ don’t stay there. They’re up the road (but still in the Hilton)
This is a fierce and unforgiving environment. Zara has come far and had some terrible obstacles in her way. Rivalry is constant and dangerous. Stories of rags to riches compare to levels of extreme wealth today.
Destination: Mumbai, London Author/guide: Alex Kahn Departure Time: 2000s
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