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A Home-grown star
Many Bollywood films are now shot in Dubai. But there is something special about Jhoom. Not only is the story of the film based in Dubai, but also its lead actor has been raised in Dubai.
- By Jyoti Kalsi, Gulf News Report
- Published: 00:00 December 5, 2006
- Aziz doing his dance moves.
- Image Credit:
Many Bollywood films are now shot in Dubai. But there is something special about Jhoom. Not only is the story of the film based in Dubai, but also its lead actor has been raised in Dubai.
Aziz did his schooling at St Martin's Grammar School, Dubai and claims that the acting bug bit him after he performed in a school play. A talented singer and dancer, Aziz went on to perform with a local band in Dubai and has won many dance contests here. Interestingly, in Jhoom he plays a dancer from Mumbai who comes to Dubai to participate in a major dance competition.
Dance sequences
The film is produced by B. Subhash, well known for making hit musicals starring Mithun Chakrabarty such as Disco Dancer. Miss India, Sindhura Gadde, will make her debut as Aziz's leading lady in the film. “We have finished filming the Indian portions and the rest of the film will be shot here.
I am here to help the makers scout for locations and technical support facilities. We are also looking for Dubai based dancers and actors to perform in the film,'' says Aziz.
The young actor made his debut with Uf Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai, produced by the prestigious Rajashree banner. “The film did not do well, but it was a great learning experience. I am fortunate that B. Subhash liked my dance sequences in the film and picked me to be his next ‘Jimmy', the name of Mithun's character in all his hit films,'' says Aziz.
“Although I am happy that my dream of being a Bollywood actor has come true, I miss Dubai very much. I am thrilled that Jhoom is being filmed here. With my knowledge of the city I will make sure that the Dubai you see in this movie will be very different from what is generally seen in Hindi films,'' he adds.
The moves
A choreographer has been flown down from the Philippines to train the actors in hip-hop dancing, headstands, flips and other moves for the many dances in Jhoom.
The actors rehearsed for eight hours daily for a month before shooting began.
His movies
After his debut film, Aziz played the lead role in an English movie shot in London titled Lovers Like Us. His next release is a Tamil film called Veeraswamy made by Stalwart T. Rajendra. Meghna Naidu is his leading lady in the film, which is expected to be in cinemas in Dubai next month.
Jhoom
Jhoom is the directorial debut of B. Subhash's daughter Shweta.
It tells the story of a group of dancers from Mumbai called ‘Jhoom' who are invited to participate in a big dance contest in Dubai.
The film will be shot in malls, nightclubs and the streets of Dubai and will feature dancers from the city.
The music is by Bappi Lahiri. Aziz's wife, Jassi Kaur, who is a TV actor and choreographer, is also part of the cast.
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