The Premiership is now a Bollywood destination. Or Stamford Bridge is rather than the Reebok.
On June 15, 2007, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom will open in Indian cinemas. JBJ as all Indian movies that prove to be hits need a catchy acronym is the story of Rikki, a starstruck soccer fan living in London who follows the fortunes of his favourite team, Chelsea. He is a fan of John Terry and Frank Lampard. Reportedly, Terry and Lampard, along with Jose Mourinho have walk on roles in the movie. Rikki is played by Abhishek Bachhan, India’s biggest star and in real life, a huge fan of Chelsea.
Bachchan says, “I’m a big Chelsea fan. I get all the games taped for me in India and watch them when I come home from the film sets.
“One of my favourite players is John Terry and it has been great to see Chelsea live. The club have given me a jersey with my character’s name, Rikki, on it.
I might have been impressed if Abhishek had said El Hadji Diouf and Bolton but Bollywood obviously knows its market.
The film also stars Bollywood hotties Lara Dutta, a former Ms Universe and Preity Zinta. Amitabh Bachhan and Sharoukh Khan also appear in cameos.
Come to think of it we need some new blood to replace Tom Alter. Terry and Lampard might want to try and think Bollywood after they retire. That way they can scythe down villains by well placed free kicks and get paid huge bucks to do so.
Official movie site with preview >>