Celebrities galore at 150th anniversary in SA

Anil Kapoor, Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa on January 9 in Durban at a special show held there.

While Anil Kapoor has been invited as a special guest to represent India and South Africa, Shahrukh, Priyanka and Shahid will be performing at the friendship concert, an initiative by AAMEDIA and Cricket South Africa and directed and executed by Wizcraft International Entertainment and Cineyug Productions.

Says a source close to the actor, "Anil is the brand ambassador of South Africa and he will be attending the event in Durban as a special guest of the government. It's a very prestigious event as it marks 150 years since the arrival of the first Indian labourers (in 1860) to work on the sugar cane plantations in the then Natal province of South Africa. The concert promises to bring together the world of cricket and entertainment on a common platform that will be hosted by AK."

Adds the source, "AK has never appeared on stage in South Africa. Though he's shot there several times, this will be his first live appearance and he is looking forward to the trip. He will leave after completing his Tezz shoot on January 6."

Interestingly, Shahid Kapoor was a last-minute inclusion. "While Shahrukh, Anil and Priyanka had been finalised earlier, Shahid Kapoor's entry is the latest development. After the couple has gone open about their relationship (including spending New Year's in Goa) this is one more opportunity to spend more time together."

There will also be a cricket match apart from the show. "The show will take place after a special cricket match between South Africa and India at Moses Mabhida stadium. The concert will also honour Sachin Tendulkar and Makhaya Ntini, two stalwarts of cricket."