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Bollywood hopeful set to rock Wembley Arena

Posted by Robert Cumber on Nov 11, 08 08:12 PM in People

A child star has been handed a fresh shot at stardom after putting his career on hold to care for his mother.

Shahid Abbas Khan, of Netley Road, Brentford, will take to the stage at Wembley Arena on Sunday as part of a one-day Eid festival attended by up to 12,000 people.

The 22-year-old has been singing since he was three and was performing before adoring crowds up to three times a night by the age of seven.

He appeared every year at Heathland School's popular Eastern Evening and fought off competition from 700 singers to be named best Hindi vocalist in the nationwide Asian Starsearch contest when he was 18.

But, just when his career was poised for lift-off, he chose to devote himself full-time to helping mum Bobbie Wason battle depression.

WIth his mum in better health, he is determined to use Sunday's gig as a launching pad in his quest for Bollywood stardom.

"This is a big opportunity to make contacts and find a wider audience," said Shahid, who earned rave reviews for recent performances at the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall.

"I've always dreamed of becoming a playback singer (an artist providing vocals for lip-synching actors) in Bollywood films like my idol Sonu Nigam."

• For more details about the concert, visit: www.desidamaka.com

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