Entertainment | Film & Cinema
Bollywood calling
Many Bollywood films are now shot in Dubai. But there is something special about Jhoom. Not only is the story based in Dubai, but its lead actor was also raised here.
- By Jyoti Kalsi, Gulf News Report
- Published: 00:22 January 29, 2008
- Aziz (right) with fellow cast members Bobby Saniyol, Tashu Kaushik and Onjalee Nair, exploring the delights of Dubai.
- Image Credit: Supplied photo
Many Bollywood films are now shot in Dubai. But there is something special about Jhoom that was shot here recently. Not only is the story of the film based in Dubai, but its lead actor was also 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. 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.
Dream come true
We caught up with Aziz and debutant director Shweta B Subhash while they were shooting by the banks of the creek in Bur Dubai.
"Shooting a film in Dubai is a dream come true for me. Shweta originally planned to shoot it in London, but I convinced her to base the story in Dubai. It was great fun, especially because I met so many of my old school friends while shooting at different places around the city.
Memorable
"The most memorable day for me was when we were shooting here yesterday and a crowd of over 700 people gathered to watch us and came up to take autographs and shake my hand," said Aziz.
"Shweta liked Dubai so much that she wants to come back here to shoot her next film, in which also I play the lead," he added.
Shweta is the daughter of producer director B Subhash, who is well known for his musicals starring Mithun Chakrabarty such as Disco Dancer and Dance Dance.
"I love music and dance and always wanted my directorial debut to be a musical. And I am really happy that Aziz convinced me to shoot it in Dubai. The city is amazing and the people are really nice," said Shweta.
No problems
"We have shot all around the city — on Shaikh Zayed Road, in Meena Bazaar, Al Mamzar Park, on Jumeirah Beach and Zabeel Park and the authorities and the general public were so cooperative that we had no problems at all. In fact, we have finished ahead of schedule," she added.
While the story of Jhoom begins in India, 90 per cent of the film is set in Dubai. "The film is about a group of dancers from India who come to Dubai to participate in a dance competition only to find that their sponsor has cheated them. It depicts their journey as they struggle to make ends meet and finally achieve their goal of winning the competition," said Shweta.
"I'll be back"
"My film is meant for youngsters. The message to them is that one should never lose hope or give up. If you work hard you can achieve anything you want. But I have packaged it in a fun format with great music and dancing," she added.
She plans to have the premiere of the film in Dubai in April.
"Thanks to Dubai my first film looks so beautiful and grand. This is my first visit to the city but I have a special attachment to Dubai now and it feels like a second home. My whole unit is depressed that the shoot is almost done and we will soon leave the city," she said.
"But I will definitely be back to shoot my next film here," she added.
Jhoom
The film stars Aziz and Onjalee Nair, who played a dancer in her debut film Holiday.
The film is produced by Aishwarya B Subhash under her father's banner and written by Malvika B Subhash.
The music is by Bappi Lahiri.
Aziz bio
Aziz made his debut with Uf Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai produced by the Rajashree banner.
Since then he has had lead roles in an English movie called Lovers Like Us and T Rajendra's Tamil film Veeraswamy opposite Meghna Naidu.
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