By Andrew Gans
09 Jul 2004

Famed singer-actress Janet Jackson could be heading to Broadway.

The New York Post reports that the performer has been approached to star in the new musical at the Broadway Theatre, Bombay Dreams. Jackson would portray Rani, the star of Bollywood films who sings the show's best-known tune, "Shakalaka Baby." Jackson would replace Ayesha Dharker when Dharker's contract ends. Grammy Award winner Jackson, whose wardrobe malfunction earlier in the year kept her in the headlines for weeks, has yet to accept the role.

The Jackson offer indicates that the producers of the new musical, which originated in London, may be trying to keep the show alive by inviting pop stars to replace a cast that features no stars.

Bombay Dreams, the new musical that plants a Bollywood tale on a Broadway stage, opened at the Broadway Theatre April 29. The company features the talents of Manu Narayan (as Akaash), Anisha Nagarajan (as his love, filmmaker Priya), Ayesha Dharker (as Rani), Sriram Ganesan (as Akaash's best friend Sweetie), Marvin L. Ishmael (as Madan), Deep Katdare (as lawyer and Priya's fiance, Vikram) and Madhur Jaffrey (as Akaash's grandmother, Shanti). Song titles include "Salaa'm Bombay," "Bollywood," "Love's Never Easy," "Lovely, Lovely Ladies," "Bhangra," "Shakalaka Baby," "I Could Live Here," "Is This Love?," "Famous," "Chaiyya Chaiyya," "How Many Stars?," "Hero," "Ganesh Procession," "The Journey Home" and "Wedding Qawali."

The Broadway Theatre is located at 1681 Broadway at 53rd Street. Tickets are priced $60-$100.