Shakalaka Janet!
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2004 02:09:36 AM ]

Janet Jackson could replace Ayesha Dharker as Rani in Bombay Dreams.

So, are we soon going to see Janet Jackson gyrating to Shakalaka Baby on Broadway? The contract of Ayesha Dharker, who plays Rani in the Andrew Webber Lloyd-directed musical Bombay Dreams , will terminate on September 26. The musical's production company Barhart has already started searching for a replacement for Ayesha and has reportedly approached pop star Janet Jackson for the role.

Says Barhart spokesperson Jeremy Shaffer: "We've contacted Janet for the lead role as she fits the bill. She is a great singer and dancer, the kind of person we're looking for. Though Janet is yet to confirm, she hasn't denied it either." Says Ayesha from New York, "I have the option of renewing the contract, but won't do so since the musical has a gruelling schedule. Janet was originally approached for recording a number and later offered my role. I will be extremely flattered if she accepts."

Shekhar Kapur, who is involved with Bombay Dreams , seconds Dharker's views. "If Janet accepts the role, it will be a great choice," he says from London.

According to a Barhart official, one reason for approaching Janet is ticket sales. "Broadway is extremely competitive and one needs big names to keep the show going and ticket sales up.” Ayesha was reportedly approached by NBC, CBS and Warner Bros within a week of Bombay Dreams release on Broadway. There are Dreams ahead....

Who is this Janet you are talking about?

Doesn't this mean she would have to sing? Live?

Hope the costume person knows how to stitch...

Don't get me wrong. I am a Janet fan - at least until DAMITA JO (really until ALL FOR YOU), but doesn't this mean she would have to sing LIVE every night?!! I don't think that airy-should-have-taken-singing-lessons-since-she's-been-in-the-business-for-20-years voice can handle it. I'm not a hater, but I smell disaster. Don't do it, Janet! Don't do it! Go away and work on a new album - one with substance!

madartista said:

I'd love to see that....to laugh.

madartista said:

Hell, if they asked P Diddy to " act " in a Raisin in the Sun, ole' Ms. Jackson ( if your'e nasty ) would fit right in. knawhatemsayin'

UncleGrandpa said:

It's much easier to "fake" acting. Just read your lines. But belting out a tune is a little different.

Janet doesn't necessarily have the strongest voice, but she has a beautiful voice.