Recently by Sonia Sharma

YOU can't escape the hype around new Bollywood film Drona.

Every Indian channel is incessantly running trailers, interviews and songs from the movie.

There's Abhishek Bachchan flying across the screen with a sword, Priyanka Chopra belting out the title song and what appear to be stunning special effects.

The theme tune has been playing in my head for days.

I'M not the only Sharma starring in films now.

My dad is an extra in Punjabi movie Apni Boli Apna Des. And he has dialogues - a feat I couldn't manage when I got a walk-on part in Kaun Bola?

It all started when he turned up with his mates to watch the shooting of the film near Tynemouth's Priory Castle, in North Tyneside.

ON the sets of Kaun Bola? in Newcastle, I bumped into an actor whose face I recognised instantly but didn't know his name.

I have seen him in numerous films and TV shows but didn't realise he had been working in the industry for around 30 years.

Gurdial Sira, who lives in London, has an impressive list of movie and television credits.

His English films include Richard Attenborough's Gandhi, Octopussy, and Bhaji on the Beach. On TV, he has appeared in programmes like The Specials, London's Burning, The Bill and Switch.

CHRONICLE readers will know about the current Bollywood boom in the North East.

We have been covering the production of two Indian films in the region. The teams for Kaun Bola? and Punjabi film Apni Boli Apna Des have been filming in various locations.

I had the pleasure of mingling with some of the stars and even managed to bag a walk-on part in Kaun Bola? when they were shooting in Newcastle City Centre.

THE apple doesn't fall far from the tree, they say.

It certainly rings true for many Bollywood actors. The fraternity is full of star sons and daughters following in their parents' footsteps.

Having celebrity parents doesn't guarantee success of course. While some make it to the top, others struggle to gain recognition.

THERE aren't many who can claim they've had a temple built in their honour.

Or who can say a whole nation prayed for them when they were critically ill in hospital.

But that's exactly what Amitabh Bachchan can shout about.

He was also the first Indian actor to be immortalised at Madame Tussauds in London. There's never been a superstar like him.