Bollywood to feature at Edinburgh Festival

London: Bollywood beats will form the centrepiece at the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a global gathering of military spectacle and cultural performance in Scotland.

India's Teamwork Arts has joined hands with the world-famous Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival Mela to present a nightly five-minute "street version" of a Bollywood dance extravaganza as part of the 'East Meets West' theme starting today.

Followed by the performances at the Tattoo, the main stage at the?Edinburgh Mela will showcase the 'Bollywood Love Story' musical on August 30 at Leith in Scotland.

"Much of our company has been built from our experiences in Edinburgh over the past 15 years. It's an honour and a privilege to return to the world's greatest arts festival with this stunning production, which will be seen by over 300,000 people over four weeks," said Sanjoy Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts and director of the production.

The Tattoo, which runs until the end of this month, is in its 66th year at the famous Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in Scottish capital.

UK cabinet secretary for culture, Europe and external affairs Fiona Hyslop said:"Once again The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will place Scotland on the world stage, showcasing our rich cultural heritage to thousands of people across the world.

"Through Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, we are pleased to support the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo's collaboration with the Edinburgh Mela to bring Bollywood to the Esplanade this August. These dancers will be a great addition to the performers from Australia, United States, Canada and New Zealand that make the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo a global event."

The 'East Meets West' theme of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will celebrate the contrasts that exist in the world and those elements that are largely consistent and on occasion similar.

Performers from all over Europe, the US, Asia, Australasia and Canada will share the stage with some of the finest British Armed Forces performers and musicians, who will, among other features, mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.