The Kingdom of Dreams: An incredible experience

The ultimate entertainment and leisure destination! This is how we were introduced to this wonderland at the Fairmount Royal York hotel in Toronto during the IIFA awards.

Sprawling across acres of land located at the 'apex' of the golden triangle of Jaipur ,Agra and Delhi, all the places dear to me , this magnificent paradise plays host to people from all over. "It is here that Indian art, culture , heritage, cuisine and performing arts are brought to life with technological wizardry." Claimed a spokesperson from the communication department of the kingdom of dreams . We all waited in anticipation for the KING to arrive. Shah Rukh Khan who is the brand ambassador for this 'century's newest tourist destination' was late since his flight arrived late. He graciously apologised and joked about the difference in the temperature of the cold and hot shower in the five star hotels .He remembered walking in Toronto during the winter months some years earlier and I wondered if that was the time of the great thaw called 'Chinook' that invaded my city since everywhere he went the temperatures rose. Talking of temperatures it seemed the air conditioning was turned off. Lets just say the fans earlier had kept the security busy hopping from one side to another trying to get a peek at their favourite actor and then some! Accompanied by Shiamak Davar and other dignitaries the King , requiring no introduction sat while the action began. The cameras clicked and the journalist writers like myself, gaping in awe were blown away by the intense action on the screen. Videocon d2h IIFA and Floriana awards were privy to an exclusive preview of the launch of this year's Jhumroo and Here I am Shiamak . On 11th October 2011 Jhumroo ,(the song by Kishore Kumar still playing in my mind) shall be launched . An out and out comedy packed with 19 Bollywood retro songs, it promises to amuse and enthrall it's audience with twist and turns in the story line building to a happy finish!!

"Here I am Shiamak " needs no introduction .This is self explanatory .This singer,song writer, director, performer, choreographer and philanthropist Shiamak Davar is an entertainment icon. He has directed, designed and choreographed acts of almost all Bollywood stars for live performances at various events across the world. This musical production reflects his personal journey and triumph over obstacles to achieve his goals. The realization that it is the inner desire, strength and zeal that ultimately helps in overcoming insurmountable problems in life ,is the basis of this musical. I hope every parent takes their child to see this one. Life's challenges are addressed 'Shiamak Style' with dances ,Indian fusion and pop. The dance guru has designed the costumes and sets too. The show will have 300 performers along with Shiamak .The show will also feature a quartet of live percussionists with dancers creating music with bodily percussion to the tune of quartet music using everyday articles like garbage bins, tubs, tubes etc.

My feet lifted , transporting and sinking me into the plush carpet. Wishing to avoid the huge cameras many followed suit. Little did we know this carpet would transform into Aladdin's magic carpet ,allowing us to experience a kaleidoscope of India's unique cultural diversity . The documentary on Kingdom of Dreams by National Geographic channel for the show 'Inside" unravelled the spectacular destinations ,highlighting the use of science and technology with India's rich heritage. The Culture Gully, an exotic ,pan Indian arts , craft and food avenue ,lets one experience indoors ,places like a quaint tavern in Goa ,the backwaters of Kerala, or Mumbai's Rajabai clock tower . All these while you savour authentic cuisine, crafts and culture from various regions of the country. The culture gully lounge showcasing , the mystic centre, the handicrafts, the arts and craft bazaar and the massage centre all sounded and looked appealing .Chunky Pandey in the documentary spoke highly about the quality of the cuisines. Feasting our eyes on the delightful spread from various parts of India we were sure he was telling the truth . Me being bribed by food is always a plausible story. Food and I have a chemistry perfected at every gourmet lab !! For the entertainer and the foodie in you ,you MUST visit this place. Here even to the "BARD" 'if music be the food of love give him excess of it'..I promise his appetite would not sicken.

"The Nautanki Mahal , an opulent ,cinematic theatrical musical experience , is India's state of the future 839 seater auditorium that offers a 4D experience." Exclaimed the organisers. "It has a mammoth stage and cutting edge technology with spectacular visual effects." We were already mesmerised and plunged into a spectacle beyond imagination while viewing the magical cinematic experience of India's pageantry, tradition and talent.