Britain’s royal couple to attend fundraiser with Bollywood stars

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, who will start their maiden visit to India on Sunday from Mumbai, will be part of a fundraiser which is expected to be attended by stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Rishi Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The event is being held collectively by three charity organisations -- Magic Bus, Doorstep, and India's Childline, to generate funds to support vulnerable children across India.

According to mirror.co.uk, it will be a star-studded affair with Shah Rukh, Aamir, Rishi, Aishwarya, Farhan Akhtar as well as cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

However, no confirmation has been issued by the Indian stars.

The international news platform also stated that the event is being organised by the British Asian Trust, whose members include Syco executive Sonny Takhar who works with Simon Cowell and One Direction.

Takhar said: "It would be remiss of them to go to India and not experience Bollywood culture because it's such an important part of the cultural fabric of the country. It's fantastic they're going to experience it."

The gala will be held at the Oval Maidan, Churchgate on Sunday will also have a pre-event demonstration session by Magic Bus children at the BPT Grounds, near Byculla Railway Station here.

Matthew Spacie, founder, Magic Bus, shared his gratitude to be associated with an event for the royal couple.

Spacie said: “We are grateful for the Duke and Duchess’ support of our mission to ensure education and jobs for all 400,000 children and 9000 youth we work with.”

After giving a Bollywood start to their India tour, the royal couple will enjoy a lavish lunch hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Prince William and Kate will lay a wreath at India Gate and visit Gandhi Smriti during their time in the national capital.

After this, they will visit the Kaziranga National Park in Assam before they go on a visit to Bhutan. They will return to India and visit the Taj Mahal before they leave for Britain.