Meghna Naidu opens dance academy in Dubai

Dubai: Telugu and Hindi film actress Meghna Naidu is all set to open a Bollywood dance academy in Dubai. Meghna, 33, who made her debut in the 2004 film "Hawas", says she has been performing in the UAE for the past 10 years and felt it was time to give back something in return.

"I am a joint partner in an event management and promotions company based here, so it was a logical step to launch a Bollywood dance academy," Meghna told The National newspaper. Meghna, known for her role in the popular music video `Kaliyon Ka Chaman`, said the academy would encourage children to start learning dance at a young age so they can work on their coordination, balance and technique. "Bollywood dancing has a worldwide audience these days and we have had many enquiries from Westerners who are very keen to learn - so we`re not only focusing on the Indian market. We want to take Bollywood dancing and introduce it to a global audience," she added. Meghna, whose mother is a trained Kathakali dancer, has performed in more than 800 shows around the world in 10 years. "I`m in the process of expanding into the USA. I`m in discussions to set-up a Meghna Naidu Academy in New York possibly in 2013 or the first quarter of 2014. And due to these business obligations, I will not be touring and performing as much as I have done in the past - but instead I will continue to do a few selected shows," said Meghna. PTI