Sendhil Ramamurthy in London for ‘It’s a Wonderful Afterlife’ UK premiere

London’s Leicester Square, played host to a Bollywood Dhamaka last night, as the glitterati of the British Asian film and music industry gathered for the UK premiere of award winning director, Gurinder Chadha’s It’s a Wonderful Afterlife.

Stars of the film Sendhil Ramamurthy (‘Heroes’), newcomer Goldy Notay, Jimi Mistry (East Is East, The Guru, RocknRolla) and BAFTA-nominated Sanjeev Bhaskar (‘The Kumars at No. 42’), welcomed the large crowds, while dhol players and Asian dancers featured in the film led an entertaining procession along the red carpet.

It’s a Wonderful Afterlife stars the legendary Shabana Azmi, who plays Mrs Sethi, a serial curry killer whose match-making efforts turn sinister when she attempts to find a suitor for her daughter, Roopi (Goldy Notay). A dramatic police hunt for the murderer begins in Southall as Mrs Sethi’s race to find a husband for her daughter continues.

Celebrities that added to the glamour of the red carpet included ‘Eastenders’ star Nitin Ganatra ‘Channel 4’ presenter Jameela Jamil and ‘Holby City’ actor Hari Dhillon amongst a host of others. The Asian music scene was also out in force with singing sensation Jaya, bhangra artist Juggy D, R’n’B star Mumzy along with Rishi Rich’s protégé Tasha Tah and Taz from Stereo Nation who features on the film’s soundtrack.

It’s a Wonderful Afterlife also includes an array of stars, including Ray Panthaki (‘Eastenders’), Preeya Kalidas (‘Eastenders’) Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins (Happy Go Lucky), BAFTA-nominated Zoë Wanamaker (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone), Mark Addy (The Full Monty). The film also reunites the cast of Bend it Like Beckham including Shaheen Khan (‘Britz’), Ash Varrez (Bhaji on the Beach) and Adlyn Ross (Shifty).

Speaking at the red carpet, director Chadha said;

“People always ask me to do another Bend it Like Beckham, I would say It’s a Wonderful Afterlife is like its naughtier cousin!”

Leading actress Goldy Notay, who wowed the crowd with her stunning figure added;

“This was a great film to be a part of, even though I had to put on a lot of weight to play my character! We had a fantastic time making the film and that really shows on screen.

“This is a film about love, comedy, and ultimately it’s a fun film. Women can really relate to Roopi and her journey to find Mr Right!”

IT’S A WONDERFUL AFTERLIFE is released in cinemas across the UK by Icon Film Distribution on Wednesday 21st April 2010. Certificate 12A.