Guess who is thirsting for more Bollywood fare? China, which has apparently had enough of Indian classical dance and music.

This year, India and China will be celebrating 60 years of diplomacy by organising cultural festivals in each other’s countries. As usual, India is drawing up the menu of performances and exhibitions with advice from the host.

With the Hindi film industry becoming a rage all over the world, China is now keen that Indian cultural shows have a liberal sprinkling of Bollywood.

“They tell us they have seen enough of Indian classical dance and music. Now, they just want Bollywood dancers,” said a senior official of the ministry of external affairs, belatedly realising the ‘soft power’ of Indian popular cinema.