Bela is a talented dancer, taught by her mum from an early age. She’s so good in fact that she wins Dance Starz, the talent show that keeps every family in India glued to their TV screens on Friday nights. But that’s just the star of Bela’s adventures. Her prize is a place at the most prestigious stage school in the Eastern world, the Bollywood Academy.
What follows is everything readers could want – dream come true film opportunities, stays in the most glamorous locations, new friendships and the tiniest hint of romance. And then there’s Monica too, born into Bollywood royalty and determined that Bela is not going to get any of the spotlight she feels is hers by right. The rivalry between them, and Monica’s dirty tricks, gives an added thrill to the story. Young readers who love Ballet Shoes or The Swish of the Curtain, or who dream of stage stardom, or those who just love stories with great characters in exciting situations, they’ll all devour this new series. Applause all round!
12-year-old Bela has always dreamed about becoming a famous Bollywood star, and now the opportunity might finally be within her grasp. When a reality TV show gives her the chance to dance in front of the nation, she knows that she is performing for a place at the most prestigious stage school in Mumbai. Can Bela win the Dance Starz competition to bag a place at the Bollywood Academy and move one step closer to her dreams of stardom? And will child star Monica, the most "e;in"e; girl at school, see her as a friend or a rival?
'It’s about time kids could go behind the scenes in Bollywood. A great concept, a great read — pure box office!' - Rishi Rich, international music producer and Bollywood composer
Author
About Puneet Bhandal
Puneet Bhandal is a former Bollywood film journalist and current owner of an Indian occasionwear boutique where her dresses are modelled by real-life stars including 'Miss England 2021'. Starlet Rivals is her debut novel. Check her out on Instagram @thebollywoodacademy
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