Bollywood Monster Mashup Expands to Three Days of Food, Music and Free Bollywood Movie Screening
Jolly Mukherjee
Mississauga’s popular Bollywood Monster Mashup is going bigger than ever this summer. For the first time in its 16-year history, the free South Asian arts and food festival is expanding to three outdoor days at Celebration Square, running July 24 to 26.
Festivalgoers can look forward to a mix of Bollywood music, food contests, a fashion show and a free outdoor screening of the iconic Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. The beloved romantic drama remains the longest-running film in Indian cinema history.
“Everyone has been asking us to add a Bollywood movie to the festival, and it’s finally happening,” said Ev Harris, managing director of the festival, in a release. “Bring your friends to experience DDLJ’s iconic train scene and hit songs such as ‘Tujhe Dekha To’ and ‘Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna’ on the big screen.”
Food lovers can participate in the new Bollywood Monster Food Contests, featuring speed-eating challenges for chicken momos, vegetarian momos, sambar and idli. Presented by Sunlite Foods and Momo2Go, the contests will take place on Saturday and Sunday at approximately 1 p.m., with participants competing for food-themed prize packs.
The festival is also introducing a free Bollywood-themed fashion show inspired by South Asian wedding traditions. Dozens of models will showcase designer outfits representing various wedding celebrations from across the region.
Music remains at the heart of the festival’s programming. Bollywood playback singer Neeraj Shridhar will headline a free concert on Saturday evening, performing popular hits including “Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” “Tumhi Ho Bandhu,” “Twist” and “Love Mera Hit Hit.” Veteran Bollywood singer Jolly Mukherjee will make his only Canadian stop on Friday with an R.D. Burman tribute concert alongside singer Priyanka Mitra.
“There are so many new things happening, I can hardly keep track,” said Vikas Kohli, founding director of the festival. “I can’t wait to dance to Neeraj Shridhar’s hits and enjoy the outdoor screening of DDLJ while eating makhani momos and Japanese cheese poutine from our 40-plus vendors.”
Priyanka Mitra
New this year is the Bollywood Monster VIP Area, presented by LiUNA Local 183. Available exclusively on Saturday, VIP ticket holders will receive front-row access to Neeraj Shridhar’s performance, a complimentary meal from Momo2Go, access to a VIP cash bar and a commemorative VIP lanyard.
The festival will also feature a free SuperDogs performance, a prize wheel offering cash prizes of up to $200 and more than 40 food vendors serving South Asian favourites and fusion dishes.
Festival schedule
Friday, July 24 (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.) – Free R.D. Burman tribute concert featuring Jolly Mukherjee and Priyanka Mitra.
Saturday, July 25 (12 p.m. to 11 p.m.) – Food contests, prize wheel and free concert by Neeraj Shridhar.
Sunday, July 26 (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.) – Bollywood fashion show, SuperDogs performance and free screening of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
The festival is free to attend and takes place at Mississauga Celebration Square.
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