Inspired by the huge success and influence of Bollywood movies, Bollywood Star is a four-part series following Channel 4's search for the first British Bollywood star: an unknown who will go on to win the prize of a lifetime - a part in a Bollywood movie, directed by acclaimed director Mahesh Bhatt.

Bollywood pageantry has been embraced worldwide, especially in western pop culture, with everyone from Missy Elliott to Andrew Lloyd Webber taking their cue from Bombay. Yet despite its love affair with the Bollywood movie scene, Britain has failed to produce a home-grown Bollywood star. Until now...

With a distinguished panel of judges, including musician Bally Sagoo , Radio 1 DJ Bobby Friction, award-winning choreographer Honey Kalaria and actress Sophiya Haque, (who is currently starring in Bombay Dreams), the search is on. And, with more than 1,000 young hopefuls applying to audition, the judges certainly have their work cut out.

Bollywood Star follows every stage of the competition, from the early auditions featuring both the talented and no-hopers, then the picking of the 22 hopeful to the selection of the lucky six finalists, chosen to make a trip of a lifetime to Mumbai (formerly Bombay).

This lucky six then face two weeks of intensive training with leading industry experts (including Asha Chandra, who runs a Bollywood acting academy, top choreographer Shiamak Davar, stunt trainer Mahendra Verma and stylist Manish Maholtra), before performing and being judged live in front of an Indian audience.

But Bollywood Star is no ordinary talent search. As well as experiencing the glitz and glamour of the Indian film industry, the six finalists will see Mumbai life first hand, from selling flowers in the local market to working as a servant. For some the trip will be more than a competition – it will be a journey of self-discovery and cultural identity.

The series culminates in a Grand Final in India where the remaining three contestants will audition in front of Mahesh Bhatt, who will select the first British Bollywood star. The winning contestant will be rewarded with a part in his movie.

Bollywood Star follows the human interest stories behind the contestants – their very different reasons for wanting to take part and the joy, tears and tantrums experienced along the way to following their dream.

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