British actresses find job, money in Bollywood

Posted on July 17, 2009
Filed Under Blogging, General | 1 Comment

Interesting! British actresses flocking to Bollywood after struggling to find work at home. Well, what to say? India is really on the map. May be the result of the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire? Or really the dearth of work at home caused by recession?

According to media sources, a combination of both the recession-hit show business industry in the UK and an increasing demand for white skinned performers in Bollywood have spurred an estimated 1,000 white British actors and dancers to move to Mumbai in the past three years.

Hazel, 24, from Tunbridge Wells, has been in Mumbai for five years and is now well established on the Bollywood circuit.

“I first did adverts for Ponds, Nokia and Samsung and then got my first proper role in a film in MP3: Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar two years ago. I’m going to Goa next week to shoot a new film and I also do shows, for which I get paid £2,000 a night.

“You can lead such a great lifestyle in India. There is the constant begging, pollution and sleazy casting directors that you have to be careful of, but it’s all worthwhile. My career is going from strength to strength. I’m almost famous!” Hazel says.

While 1,000 actresses can audition for one job in London, in Mumbai there are just a handful of competitors.

Marijaa Antionette André, 24, from London has been acting, dancing, modelling and on the catwalk in Mumbai. She said it is the range of work available that makes the city so attractive.

“Since I have been here, I have noticed a huge increase in white girls coming over to work,” she said. “I have friends who have come over from Britain who may have been too short or had the wrong look to be a model there, but are getting loads of work here. As long as you’re white, there’s no shortage of work.

“There are issues like the fact that there are no laws to protect artists whatsoever, but the quality of life here beats London hands down.”

Interestingly, there is also a Bollywood acting school in London. Well, not for Indians, but for the White people who want to make a career in Bollywood. None other than our venerable and versatile Anupham Kher runs it.

Anyways, good luck to all those coming to India with bags and dreams for a better future, money and comfort. Just be careful of the people around you. The Indian entertainment industry is as morally and physically corrupt like the Hollywood.

Adios ~ SAM

Comments

One Response to “British actresses find job, money in Bollywood”

  1. ILoveIndia on July 18th, 2009 3:58 pm

    I liked you previous post comparing India and China.

    Although I have to say your posts are a bit like British busses.

    You wait weeks for one to come and then two come at once. :)

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