MUMBAI: The Indian film industry is sure going places. Yash Raj Films has tied up with UK’s football club Chelsea for its film – Jhoom Barabar Jhoom starring Abhishekh Bachchan and Preity Zinta. What’s more, Amitabh Bachchan, too has a cameo role in the film.

The film is slated to release in May 2007. Bachchan, a Chelsea FC fan in real life, plays a character called Rikki who supports the club. The film is partially shot in London.

Abhishek said, “The character I play in the film is a very loyal Chelsea fan. I have now had the chance to see Chelsea live after following them over the last few years and the club have given me a jersey with my character’s name Rikki on it, so that was fun. A friend of mine introduced me to Chelsea, I enjoy their football and the way they play. The Premier League is very popular in India and Chelsea has a huge support over there and it is growing all the time.”

Chelsea was approached by Yash Raj earlier this year with the story line for Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. The release of the film in May next year could coincide with a possible Premiership “triple” if Chelsea successfully defends the title this season.

Chelsea’s business affairs director Paul Smith said, “Naturally we are delighted to be involved in a Bollywood movie and we take it as a big compliment to be approached with this story line and to be associated with this calibre of actors and actresses. Bollywood is not just one of the most successful movie genres in the world, it is also one of the most successful art forms as it has a unique character and popularity. From a Chelsea perspective, we have been looking at ways to reach out to the Brit-Asian community and play a leading role by involving them more in football.”

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