Free festival featuring Bollywood singers Ash King (singer of “Baarish”) and other stars coming soon to Mississauga

The largest South Asian festival in Canada, #BollywoodMonster Mashup, is returning to Mississauga Celebration Square with two free #BollywoodMonster Concerts presented by TD Bank Group {TD), a laser show, mouth-watering food and family activities. On Friday July 21, Bollywood singer and voice of Shraddha Kapoor in “Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga” from the film Half Girlfriend, Shashaa Tirupati, and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalist and singer of “Baithe Baithe,” Aishwarya Pandit (brought to you by Tourism Mississauga) will take the stage. On Saturday July 22nd, Bollywood singer and voice of Arjun Kapoor in “Baarish” from the film Half Girlfriend, Ash King, will close off the event.

“This year’s festival gives audiences the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a live performance by the voice behind hits like “Baarish” and  “Thumkeshwari,” Ash King, along with something we’ve never done before – a set of Bollywood x ‘80s mashups by the OLG #BollywoodMonster Orchestra” said festival Executive Director Vikas Kohli. “I’m excited to see the audience dance to Bollywood and ‘80s fusion music while enjoying a delicious variety of foods from 30+ vendors served hot and fresh.”

The festival’s signature annual original music and dance production is brought to life by Kohli, Associate Artistic Director Ev Harris and teen music prodigy Antonia Cambre. The OLG #BollywoodMonster Orchestra is set to perform nearly a dozen Bollywood hits from the 80s, such as “Yaad Aa Raha Hai” from the film Disco Dancer and “Hari Om Hari” from the film Pyaara Dushman, remixed with popular 80’s songs like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” and Irene Cara’s “What a Feeling” from Flashdance. Dance troupes Giggle Queens and Veils of Bollywood will perform originally choreographed fusion pieces alongside the mashups.

“Festivals like #BollywoodMonster Mashup help bring together people through music to experience the vibrancy and diversity of our communities. Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re proud to help create opportunities for people to connect through music because of the important role artists help play in shaping communities. This year’s festival is focused on fostering connection through diverse representation, helping create unity within local communities,” said Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group.

The two-day #BollywoodMonster Concert series presented by TD showcases performances infused with Sufi, Pop, Dance and Rock, along with popular Bollywood folk and traditional dances. On the Virgin Plus #BollywoodMonster Main Stage, Nachdi Jawani will dazzle crowds with Bhangra and Gidha dances for a flair of Punjabi culture. In an Arijit Singh-meets-Beyonce style, SHIRSHA will wow audiences with authentic Bollywood R&B. DDA CANADA is set to dance to Tollywood and Bollywood hits, from classic 80s to the recent superhit “Hungama,” and Team NRITYA will present Gujarati folk dance styles to a mix of 60s-80s songs, ranging from Kathak to Mujra. Reign Yash Dance Academy is performing upbeat Bollyhop and Bollywood fusion pieces, while Bollywood Dance School Canada brings the hottest trends and talents of desi fusion dance. 

Audiences will also be able to get behind-the-scenes insights from the performers during the Burger King Butter Chicken Sandwich #BollywoodMonster AMA, which will be broadcasted on the festival’s @BollywoodMonsterMashup Instagram page throughout the day and emceed by rising TikTok star Rebecca Tandon. On July 21, the Virgin Plus #BollywoodMonster Main Stage will be emceed by former “Saath Nibhaana Saathiya” actress Uppekha and internet-famous comedian Ashwyn Singh, while July 22 will be hosted by Canadian “Moonshine” (CBC) actor Farid Yazdani and CP24 reporter/anchor Leena Latafat in the afternoon, and fan favourite Anchor Jaymin and Uppekha in the evening.

Festival Schedule:

Fri Jul 21 @ 4 pm EST – Catch Shashaa Tirupati (singer of “The Humma Song”) and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalist Aishwarya Pandit brought to you by Tourism Mississauga perform live. Snack on papri chaat, watch dazzling Garba routines and more at the FREE #BollywoodMonster Concerts presented by TD at Mississauga Celebration Square.

Sat Jul 22 @ 2 pm EST – Watch Ash King, singer of “Baarish” from the film Half Girlfriend, perform live. Dance to Bollywood x 80s fusion while watching a laser show and more at the FREE #BollywoodMonster Concerts presented by TD at Mississauga Celebration Square. 

Audiences can learn more and RSVP at BollywoodMonsterMashup.com/Concerts