A spokesperson for the production confirmed that Tony-winning book writer Meehan will work with novelist-writer-comedian Syal, who penned the book for the production of Bombay Dreams now playing London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. The musical — produced in London by Andrew Lloyd Webber — is a love story set against the backdrop of the Bombay film industry and features music by Hindi composer A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Sunset Boulevard's Don Black.

It’s a busy year for Meehan, who also collaborated with Mark O’Donnell on the book for one of the season’s biggest hits, Hairspray. Meehan is also again working with Mel Brooks on a musical version of his classic film “Young Frankenstein.”

Thomas Meehan won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical for The Producers and Annie. His other book-writing credits include I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand and Annie Warbucks. Also, an Emmy-winning writer, Meehan has co-written several screenplays, including two with Mel Brooks, “Spaceballs” and “To Be or Not To Be.”

Bombay Dreams is scheduled to open on Broadway in the spring of 2004. In a statement, Lloyd Webber recently said, "[Composer] A. R. Rahman is nothing short of a melodic genius. It has been thrilling to watch London theatregoers embrace Bombay Dreams with such fervor. Bringing this talent and this musical to Broadway brings my own dreams for this project full-circle."

Bombay Dreams currently plays London's Apollo Victoria Theatre at 17 Wilton Road. Tickets are available by calling the theatre's box office at 011 44 20 7416 6055.