The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of more than 2,400 stars embedded in the sidewalks of Los Angeles’ Hollywood district. The 15 blocks draw nearly 10 million domestic and international visitors annually. Now Bollywood plans to take-two by replicating a similar tribute for the glitterati of the India film scene.
The attraction will be erected along the Bhandra Bandstand, a kilometer-long walkway along the sea on the west side of Bandra. This posh suburb of Mumbai is home to many of Bollywood’s elite.
Instead of simple marble stars outlined in brass, Mumbai’s Walk of the Stars will go a step further. Brass signatures and hand impressions of nearly 100 stars will be embedded in slabs along the two-kilometre stretch of promenade. Additionally, there will be six or seven life-sized bronze statues dedicated to the stars of yesteryear, casually lounging on the benches provided for visitors. Some of the names being batted around for this distinct honour include Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Shammi Kapoor.
Work along the Bandra promenade is in already in progress and completion is scheduled in March. “This is an effort to bring the fans closer to the stars while also beautifying the area and increasing its appeal for tourists,” said Nikhil Gandhi, business head of UTV Stars, the television channel behind the project.
Organizers of the Mumbai-based Walk of the Stars are hoping the project will attract domestic tourists, as well as international Bollywood buffs. “Plans are also underway to launch similar projects in Gurgaon, Dubai and London,” Gandhi added.
“Getting hold of a piece of pavement was difficult, but the residents’ association was very co-operative.”
The bandstand area is frequented by Bollywood tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. Gandhi is hopeful the stretch will become a well-known Indian landmark.
