“From foot tapping music, energetic dancing and dazzling costumes the entertainment never stops with the Merchants of Bollywood”: says Lead Female Carol Furtado

As the International smash hit “The Merchants of Bollywood” returns to Australian stages after it’s triumphant World tour, Indus Age caught up with the Lead Female Carol Furtado in an exclusive interview where the actor gets candid about the glittery show, performing on stage and a lot more. Excepts:

By Nidhi Kumari

Carol, tell us about your journey since you started to reach thus far.

I’m not a formally trained dancer, I actually have a degree in Sociology. As much as I’ve always loved dancing I never chose to have a career in showbiz, it’s just something that happened. It was the same way with the show- I only auditioned to humour a friend who recommended me to the director and producer of The Merchants of Bollywood without bothering to consult with me first.

I’ve been part of the show now for the last dozen years and thanks to The Merchants of Bollywood I’ve had the opportunity to be an ambassador for my culture when we’re out performing in every corner of the world.

Apart from dancing I’m also a designer, I have a small business of manufacturing dance costumes, and I’m currently ironing out the details on starting my own line of natural beauty products which should be in stores by April.

Many of the veteran and versatile actors come from theatre. However, in today’s fast paced age of technology, theatre is losing its relevance. Your comments on that.

I think there’s always been a segment of society who didn’t care for the theatre. The complaint today is that it’s too inconvenient to have to leave your house to get some entertainment while before, the issue was that it was an elitist art form, too expensive for the common man. And despite all the excuses we still find the presence of this form of art in various cultures around the world since ancient times.

I think in the long run the theatre will continue to find patrons. There’s something about live human beings performing before a live audience- the performers feed off the energy of the audience to project their emotions and in turn affect the audience.

What goes in your mind while performing on stage?

I’m conscious about the fact that I’m playing a character based on a real person and I want Vaibhavi, the person my character is based upon, to continue to feel proud of the show. Also, when I’m up there performing to a packed room, all eyes on me, I remind myself that it doesn’t matter that I’ve literally done this show over a thousand times, I have to do my best to deliver a memorable performance for the audience.

What’s the best part of performing LIVE?

Feeding off the energy of the audience, of course! With a live show you’re always conscious of the fact that you don’t get a retake if you mess up. But you get on stage and you see this wonderful audience looking at you with excitement as they clap, dance, try to sing along and you just know you’re going to have to step up your game to match their energy level.

What according to you are the challenges of performing on stage?

All my costumes are beautifully crafted and adorned by decorative thread-work, sequins and beads which make them stunning to look at but also very heavy. As a designer I know that this cannot be helped but as a dancer it can be rather challenging to make it look like I’m effortlessly gliding across the stage when I’m desperately trying not to trip over the multiple layers of my own costume or trying to avoid getting hit in the eye or the tooth with my own jewellery.

Tell us about your theatrical event, “Merchants of Bollywood”.

The plot of the show is similar to your typical ‘masala’ Bollywood film, with elements of drama, comedy, romance and a whole lot of song and dance. Loosely based on the Merchant family, it starts with Shantilal Merchant, a legendary Bollywood choreographer, who quits the industry at the peak of his career when it gets too commercial for his tastes. He retreats to his native village where he raises his granddaughter, Ayesha Merchant, played by me, in the ancient dance traditions practiced by his family.

Ayesha is ambitious. Ignoring her grandfather’s wishes, she leaves her village to chase her dreams of being a successful Bollywood choreographer. She achieves the fame she desires but finds she’s still missing something in her life. It isn’t long before, like her grandfather, she too tires of the commercial aspects of the industry. She returns home to rediscover her roots and continue her family’s dance traditions like her grandfather wanted her to do.

The Merchants of Bollywood deals with the struggle faced by an individual in modern times to strike a balance between upholding traditions as well as chasing their own dreams.

Enlighten us about your character, Ayesha Merchant.

The Merchants of Bollywood is based on the lives of famous Bollywood choreographers Vaibhavi Merchant and her grandfather. The character Ayesha portrays Vaibhavi in the show.

In many ways Ayesha is a traditional Indian girl with a village upbringing, except she dreams of following her grandfather’s footsteps and making it big in Bollywood someday. She’s courageous enough to defy convention by leaving her village to pursue her dream, but she’s also talented enough to become the reigning queen of choreography in Bollywood on her own abilities.

But, we see that despite her ambitions she’s like her grandfather as she too grows disillusioned with the industry over time and finds fulfilment and peace upon returning to her roots.

What all is in-store for the audience?

The Merchants of Bollywood show is like a big party on stage. The audience will be treated to a feast for their senses. Just like our spices, the show will overwhelm their senses with a riot of colourful costumes, sensational dance routines which combine intricate classical Indian dance with anything from street dance to hip-hop, set to the beat of the latest Bollywood hits.

What do you want the audience to take away with “Merchants of Bollywood”?

 I want them to leave feeling entertained. I don’t really have any other expectations but I do have an observation to share. The show is a fun way of introducing people to a vast and ancient culture- the audience gets a taste of the different flavours of India from the folksy to the urban- which may explain why so many people end up becoming enamoured with India and Indian culture after watching the show.

What is your message for the audience eagerly waiting to see the show?

If you want a nugget of eastern mysticism this show is not for you. This is the show for people who like light hearted fun. From foot tapping music, energetic dancing and dazzling costumes the entertainment never stops with the Merchants of Bollywood. It isn’t life changing, but it’s a great way to share an evening out with family and friends.

“THE MERCHANTS OF BOLLYWOOD” Australian Tour Dates

Saturday 27th October, 2018 – THE STAR EVENT CENTRE, SYDNEY NSW – Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au

Sunday 28th October, 2018 – HAMER HALL, MELBOURNE ARTS CENTRE VIC – Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300136 166 or Arts Centre 1300 182 183

Wednesday 31st October, 2018- THE STAR, GOLD COAST QLD – Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au

Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd November, 2018 – QPAC CONCERT HALL, BRISBANE QLD – Bookings: QPAC 136 246 www.qpac.com.au

Friday 9th and Saturday 10th November, 2018 – CROWN THEATRE, PERTH WA – Bookings: 136 100 www.ticketmaster.com.au

A theatrical dance spectacular, “The Merchants of Bollywood” charts the enchanting history of the world’s largest and most prolific film industry, and a dynasty of stars that have lit its way over generations. “The Merchants of Bollywood” transcends time and is a touching tribute to the Bollywood greats of yesterday and the box-office hits of today complimented by the outstanding music arrangements by Salim-Sulaiman.

A fictional story, yet based on real life, “The Merchants of Bollywood” will reveal to the Western audience the workings of cinema and the part it plays in the heart and soul of Indian society in an extraordinary evening of music and dance at the heart of which lies a heartfelt story of a young girl, her grandfather and their love of dance.

“The Merchants of Bollywood” has captured the essence of India, its rich and diverse culture, and its people in a world of technicolour brilliance acclaimed by patrons and reviewers alike.