Calgarian off to Bollywood

Published: November 20, 2008 5:49 a.m.

Last modified: November 20, 2008 12:50 a.m.

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It’s a story straight out of Bollywood.

A Calgary dancer now living in Los Angeles has won the Verizon Bollypop contest with her close friend, and both are set to dance in an upcoming Bollywood movie.

“It hasn’t really even set in yet. But I am so excited. It’s such an amazing opportunity,” 23-year-old Shivani Thakkar told Metro.

Bollywood movies consist of about eight dance sequences, and Thakkar was chosen alongside her friend 25-year-old Sapna Rohra after the submissions were whittled down to 10.

Shivani was trained by her mother Sudha, also a professional dancer, since she was a “toddler” and grew up with dancing in her blood.

“I owe a lot to my mom for where I am today. She is so proud and I still very much have roots at home in Calgary.”

Rashmi, Shivani’s father, said he is very proud and excited his daughter has been chosen.
“It’s such a prestigious opportunity and something that really matters to her,” he added.
The winners will be flying to India on Dec. 1 for shooting of the film.