Bollywood's answer to Rada opens in London

A drama school nicknamed "Bollywood Rada" has been launched in London.

The UK's first Indian cinema acting academy will teach London-based performers the art of how to act Bollywood-style.

Backed by established Indian performers, the Actor Prepares UK academy is due to open to students in September.

The opening ceremony will be perfored by Anapum Kher, star of hundreds of Bollywood films.

Students will take three-month courses based on the curriculum at Kher's own drama school in Mumbai, which is also taught at centres in Ealing, Hammersmith and Southall.

The first intake of 60 would-be actors, chosen by audition, will be taught acting, singing and dancing by Kher himself.

Actors Boman Irani, Tabu, Urmila Mtondkar and film-maker Mahesh Bhatt will also take classes.

Kher, who played the strict Indian father of football prodigy Jessminder in Bend It Like Beckham, said: "The huge success of the movie shows what happens when you combine UK and Indian artistic talent.

"The course will lay the foundation for a self-fulfilling and meaningful career as a performer in any medium."