The Big B has a date in Birmingham - well, not quite. His waxwork at Madame Tussaud's is being moved to Birmingham for the first such exhibition outside London.

Bollywood is the flavour of the week for the residents of Birmingham as Britain moved into an extended holiday mood over Easter.

The Madame Tussaud's model will be placed at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery's Cinema India exhibition until April 20.

The free Cinema India exhibition also features film posters from the 1950s to the present day, with song booklets and lobby cards.

Costumes, beauty products and jewellery inspired by the films will be on show, along with Bollywood dance workshops, music and yoga.

Councillor Ian Ward, cabinet member for culture, said: "Cinema India is a great celebration of the world's largest film industry."

On Monday, Aishwarya Rai will join forces with Hrithik Roshan, Lara Dutta, Celina Jaitley and Fardeen Khan for a function titled 'Heartthrobs To Leave You Breathless' at the NEC Arena.

"I haven't been to Birmingham in a while," Aishwarya told the local media.
"The last time was in 1999 when the movie 'Taal' premiered in the UK.

"I was on a tour at that time, so it's quite exciting to come back as so much has changed since then.

"I'm excited about the show, about coming back to England, and I'm looking forward to a great tour," she adds. "I hope everyone will come out to support us."

Hrithik said: "I'm very grateful for the response I've already received this year for my film and am looking forward to seeing fans again on the road.

"The last time I came to Birmingham I was overwhelmed with the support and love of my well wishers. I hope I can live up to their expectations."

Celina Jaitley, who starred in her debut film "Janasheen" opposite Fardeen Khan, says: "I'm very excited as this is my first world tour.

"The tour is called 'Breathless', which is what I hope to leave my fans when they come and see me!"