London college starts Bollywood lessons

Trinity College London has decided to incorporate Bollywood and Indian classical music in its curriculum.

The new lessons were prompted by the international success of A.R. Rahman's Oscar-winning music in Slumdog Millionaire.

Chief executive of Trinity College Sarah Kemp told NDTV: "We are changing our syllabus to keep it fresh, relevant and contemporary. It should reflect global trends and including Bollywood music is a way of doing that. This brings inclusiveness in our repertoire.

"Bollywood music has been catapulted to centre stage. The international success of Rahman's music has a very important role in bringing Indian music to the world platform."

Under the new syllabus, which began this January, Bollywood music has been included in the electronic keyboard section of the music examination.

The college has also started to test the interest of its global students in Indian classical music.

Nick Keyworth, chief examiner of music at the college, said: "Under a pilot project in London, we have offered Carnatic music of South India to some of our students. Depending on the feedback, we might include Indian classical into our syllabus permanently."

Trinity College provides qualifications in the English language and performing arts including music, dance, drama and speech.