The performer has taken on the title role in new theatre musical Frankie Goes To Bollywood, which revolves around a British Asian girl being swept up into the bright lights of Hindi cinema.
By Asjad NazirApr 27, 2024
WATCHING films, combined with a deep love for performing from a very young age, first connected Laila Zaidi to acting.
She went from performing in front of her family with mini concerts at home to carving out a successful career as an actress, which has seen her combine winning work on stage with top TV roles in shows such as Benidorm, Ackley Bridge and Doctors.
The versatile performer has taken on the title role in new theatre musical Frankie Goes To Bollywood, which revolves around a British Asian girl being swept up into the bright lights of Hindi cinema.
The latest offering from leading theatre company Rifco embarks on a mammoth tour this month, which goes across the UK until July.
Eastern Eye caught up with the actress ahead of the premiere at Watford Palace Theatre on Thursday (25) to discuss the play, Bollywood and her biggest inspiration.
Tell us about Frankie Goes To Bollywood and the character you play?
This show is so full of heart, passion, and powerful intention. I play Frankie, a young girl from Milton Keynes who gets swept into the world of Bollywood and all that it entails. She meets some incredible characters along the way and learns what it means to find a ‘home’ in the people you love.
What is the biggest challenge of playing this role?
I’d say the biggest challenge is wanting to marry the intricacies and authenticity of the character and the Bollywood dance, while honouring the incredible script and remembering all the lines at the same time - not sure it ever gets any easier.
What is your favourite moment in the show?
I absolutely cannot tell you because it’s a surprise moment, but I implore you all to come see it. The lights, set, costumes and cast are simply out of this world.
How does this show compare to your other work?
It’s a different world to other musicals or TV programmes I have done, so it’s been such an exciting challenge diving head-first into the world of Bollywood.
I’m learning so much, and grateful for the creative team, who are so kind, patient and very informative.
How do you feel ahead of the tour?
Excited. I haven’t toured for a few years, so other than most likely packing far too many clothes and not being able to carry my cases, it should be fun.
Who are you hoping this show connects with?
I hope this show connects with every single person who comes to watch. There’s something so special about being in a room of pure south Asian talent, telling a south Asian story. But that doesn’t mean it’s not going to connect with western audiences too.
I think everyone can relate to feeling lost in life, yearning for somewhere to belong. ‘Hope, love and heroes who always come through!’ If I can inspire one person who feels they’ve never seen representation like this on stage, or another, who wants to pursue this career and leaves with a fire in their belly, or simply, someone who goes home humming a tune with a happy heart, then my job here is done.
What is it like working with an iconic British Asian theatre company like Rifco?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rifco for over five years now, workshopping this show.
I can’t put into words what they mean to me. It feels like family. I’ve never felt so safe in a room to make mistakes or just be myself. They really do take care of us. I’m so grateful to everyone at Rifco for this opportunity and hope I do them proud.
How do you feel being on stage?
I absolutely love it. It’s hard to explain really, but it just feels right.
What is your favourite Bollywood movie of all time?
I can’t pick one. I’ve been doing lots of research and have ended up watching so many that I have loved.
My cousin from Pakistan has been sending me endless recommendations - I need more hours in my day.
Which Bollywood leading lady do you most admire?
I have sort of fallen in love with Deepika Padukone – she oozes class and elegance and is so talented. I’d say she is big goals.
What inspires you?
My family. My mum and dad, for being the world’s most supportive parents. They have travelled the world to watch me perform and been through every high and low with me. They have always believed in me even in moments where I doubt myself. Everything I do, I do for them.
I’m also doing this for my grandparents. Grandad, who is sadly no longer with us, took me to every single drama school audition when I was 18 and taught me how to use the Tube (with a map). I remember one of the last conversations I ever had with him, he said he wished he could see me on stage in London for one final time. This one’s for you, grandad.
Why should we watch Frankie Goes To Bollywood?
Because this show is nothing like you’ll have ever seen before. It’s been years in the making.
We have all worked so hard and it shows. The score is absolutely beautiful.
As I’ve said previously, the costumes, script, dancing, singing and cast are so talented. There is nothing like this in any theatre in this country – we need to shout louder for the people at the back. Please come support us and tell all your friends. And make sure to come and say hi afterward.
Frankie Goes To Bollywood is being staged at Watford Palace Theatre from Thursday (25) until May 11 before embarking on a UK tour with shows in Manchester (May 15-25), Hayes (May 28-June 1), Hornchurch (June 4-9), Wolverhampton (June 11-15), Bradford (June 18- 22), Windsor (June 25-29), Coventry (July 2-6), Cardiff (July 16-20). www.rifcotheatre.com
ACTOR Raj Ghatak praised the enduring appeal of The Producers as he takes on a role in the hit Broadway show, now playing in the West End.
Ghatak is the first person of colour to portray Carmen Ghia, the flamboyant partner of eccentric director Roger DeBris (Trevor Ashley) and, consequently, his character is dressed in the south Asian attire of sherwani (tunic) and kurta pyjama.
In an interview with Eastern Eye, he said, “The world was arguably a happier place when it was first written.
“But what we’re finding now is that audiences are so grateful to laugh. They sit down, immerse themselves in the story, and forget everything else. That’s the power of theatre.”
Describing the show as a kind of “therapy” for modern times, Ghatak said, “Audiences tell us how welcome it is to laugh so hard again”.
It is the first major London revival of American filmmaker and actor Mel Brooks’ classic, which earned an unprecedented 12 Tony Awards, and has transferred from a sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory to the Garrick Theatre.
Based on Brooks’ 1967 cult film, the story follows two desperate Broadway producers who scheme to get rich by producing a flop, only for their plan to go hilariously wrong.
Trevor Ashley as Roger DeBris and Ghatak as Carmen Ghia in The Producers
Teeming with Brooks’ signature wit, the show delights in its irreverence, sending up everything from show business to politics. Ghatak said, “It’s massively exciting to be part of it. And this time around, they’ve leaned in to my ethnicity. I wear a kurta pajama and a sherwani – things that have obviously never been done before. It gives us visibility.”
Two decades ago, Ghatak starred in Bombay Dreams, AR Rahman’s West End musical produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, that became a cultural turning point for British Asian performers.
Ghatak recalled how the show “broke the glass ceiling for south Asian actors”.
He said, “At the time, it was just a job – a very high-profile one. But, years later, people tell me they were taken to see that show as children, and because of it, they felt they had permission to be an actor. That’s something that was never the case in my day.”
That generational shift is something Ghatak takes pride in. “When I look back, it feels like we’ve come a long way. But we still have a long way to go.”
Being part of The Producers brought Ghatak face to face with one of his heroes. Brooks himself, now 99, had to approve his casting.
The actor said, “They filmed my meeting. I met the team on a Friday afternoon, and on Monday morning they said, ‘Pending Mel Brooks’ approval, we’d like to offer you the role.’ I remember thinking, if I don’t get his approval, does this mean I can’t do the job?”
The cast had four weeks of full-time rehearsals. “For that production, I watched both films,” Ghatak said, referring to the 1967 original and the 2005 version with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.
“I wanted to understand the source material. I’m a firm believer that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Otherwise, you’re changing something for the sake of it. But rehearsals are where you experiment and play.” He credited both Brooks’ writing and Patrick Marber’s direction for the show’s humour.
“Our director comes from a background of plays. My own background is in plays, TV and film. So, we both approached this with the idea that, however heightened the situation or character, it must be grounded in truth,” he said.
Ghatak trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Queen Mary University in London and has worked with Emma Thompson, Nicole Kidman, Riz Ahmed, Sir Derek Jacobi, Ewan M c G r e - g o r, Hugh Jackman and Benedict Cumberbatch. His stage credits include The Kite Runner, Life of Pi, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and The Father and the Assassin. He has worked with some of the most respected directors in theatre, including Dominic Cooke, Indhu Rubasingham, Rufus Norris, Kerry Michael and now Marber.
Despite his achievements, the actor is conscious of the ongoing struggles for representation. He said, “As much as the situation has improved, we’ve still got a long way to go. Roles that challenge me, excite me. There are so many stories from the Asian subcontinent and diaspora that deserve to be told.
“When I started, there were very few people I could look to as role models. That’s why I’ve become such a champion for diversity and inclusion.”
Born and raised in north London to Bengali parents from Kolkata, he grew up surrounded by music and culture.
“My father was a doctor, and my mother was a chemistry teacher,” Ghatak said, adding, “But there was always music at home. My father sings Rabindra Sangeet, my mother plays guitar, and my sister is a classical singer.” Initially, he didn’t see acting as a viable career. “I went to a very academic school.
My interests were split between medical sciences and the performing arts.”
Eventually, he followed his childhood passion and trained as an actor.
He said, “A show like The Producers challenges me in a different way - it makes me laugh and it makes me think. That’s what keeps me passionate about the work.”
Asked what continues to excite him about musical theatre, Ghatak said, “Being in this show and telling this story. The comedy, the chaos, the craft… it’s such a joy. And to be the only person of colour among the six principal cast members, representing our community on such a stage, that’s something I’m proud of.”
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