Dubai says ‘Ahlan’ Salman Khan: Bollywood concert to rock UAE National Day

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was the star attraction as he wowed the audience with chartbusters from Ready, Bodyguard and Dabangg. (BCCI)

Published Thursday, November 29, 2012

By Bindu Suresh Rai

A Bollywood urban legend states: Yash Chopra rules the Diwali box office, while Salman Khan owns Eid.

It seems the Indian superstar is now making a play at the UAE National Day celebrations too, as ‘Ahlan Bollywood’ raises the bar for a star-studded extravaganza like no other on December 2.

Khan is headlining this mega event at the Dubai Festival City Arena, with Priyanka Chopra joining him on stage as his trusty sidekick.

Also sharing the spotlight will be Khan’s find, Zarine Khan, along with pop princess Sophie Chowdhary and Pakistani maestro, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

The latest addition to the line-up of stars is comedian Omar Sharif, who is sure to entice a few laughs on the night, before the drama and dance kicks off.

Could the Salman-Shah Rukh Khan rivalry prove to be a chuckle inducer on the night? Only Sharif will be able to answer that.

Discounted tickets anyone?

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Communications manager Faz from organisers, Creative Hub Events, said: “The buzz surrounding the show is amazing. We expect a sold out crowd of 18,000 fans who are going to get their money’s worth in this Salman Khan spectacle.”

The 18,000 crowd puller is said to rival Shah Rukh Khan’s 2008 ‘Temptations Reloaded’, that ironically saw Salman’s one time love, Katrina Kaif take centrestage, along with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal at the same venue.

“Tickets are selling out fast amongst all categories, and we are confident it will be a sold out show on the night,” she added.

Ranging across several price categories, fans of Salman Khan are in for some good news too.

The hot tickets are also available at discounted prices on group buying website, YallaBanana, with the silver standing category priced at Dh250 from its original price of Dh300.

Meanwhile, the Platinum tickets are priced at Dh1,350 instead of the Dh1,500 you fork over for it.

Security takes centrestage

“Due to such high profile stars and the VVIPS and dignitaries we are expecting at the event, security arrangements will be extremely tight to ensure the safety of all those attending,” said Faz.

“Not only will we have bouncers dedicated in the front of the stage, but they will be spread out at the concert arena to protect fans also,” she added. “Volunteers have also been hired to facilitate the crowd and keep everything running smoothly.”

A dedicated parking area is on hand near the arena for fans who are attending the concert event, with organisers urging them to arrive early to avoid chaos and a mad dash closer to the time of the show.

Gates open 6pm, while the show is scheduled to start at 8pm and is expected to enthral until midnight.

Said Faz: “This show promises the complete package, with comedy, musical acts by legendary artists and Bollywood’s top actors.

“Naturally, there is a fan following for all the celebrities headlining, but Salman Khan is bound to steal the show.”

Aside from the categories mentioned above, tickets are also priced at Dh180, Dh500 and Dh4,000 (with dinner).

Tickets are available at Bombay Chowpathy, Sindh Punjab, Filli Cafe, Eppco, Enoc and Zoom stations.