Indian-origin Brit actress Preeya Kalidas to star in Bollywood opera `Carmen`

London: Actress Preeya Kalidas, who played Amira Masood in the TV drama `EastEnders`, is all set to star in a Bollywood style production of the opera Carmen. Georges Bizet`s work is being adapted for BBC3 and will be televised live from Bradford`s City Park on 9 June, BBC reported. Kalidas, who also played the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber`s West End hit Bombay Dreams, will be leading the cast as Karmen and will be accompanied by Indian film actor Abhay Deol. The line-up also includes Waterloo Road and Strictly Come Dancing star Chelsee Healy as Karmen`s friend Shazzy. The lead character`s other friend, Kylie, will be played by Coronation Street actress Rachel Leskovak . Emmerdale`s Stephen Rahman-Hughes will potray the character of Don, while Rakhee Thakra from `Holby City` will play Don`s fiancee, Tannishta. British Asian actress and singer Sofia Hayat complete the list of stars taking part. Zai Bennett, controller of BBC Three, said that Bollywood Carmen is a unique and extremely ambitious live arts event and he is delighted that they have attracted such a high calibre cast and production team to bring it to life. Meanwhile, Kalidas, who has also featured in films including Bend It Like Beckham, East Is East and Four Lions, said she finds live theatre very exciting. "Live theatre is very exciting and I think to have the audience as part of that is not only an experience for them but will also be an experience for us," she said. The production will also involve the local community and audience participation. ANI