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Bollywood ‘tadka’ for Fadnavis’ glamorous swearing-in tomorrow
Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service

BJP ropes in noted art director The BJP has roped in art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai known for his opulent sets for blockbusters such as Lagaan, Jodha Akbar and Devdas The ceremony is inspired by the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad fort VIPs attending the occasion include Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Sachin Tendulkar

Mumbai, October 29
Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as the BJP's first Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a glittering Bollywood-style ceremony on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The party has roped in art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai known for his opulent sets for blockbusters such as Lagaan, Jodha Akbar and Devdas.

Sources say Desai has suggested putting up two big stages at the stadium. One will be for Fadnavis and his Cabinet ministers where they will be administered the oath of office by Governor Vidyasagar Rao, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of his Cabinet will be seated on the other. “The swearing-in ceremony is inspired by the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad fort,” Desai told reporters. “There will be a cultural extravaganza with artistes performing dances and skits showcasing the state's culture,” Desai said.

A huge LED wall is being set up to feature Modi’s achievements and short films on what the BJP plans for Maharashtra. Party sources say an advertising agency has been roped in for the purpose and films are being edited for the occasion. The BJP has planned to bring in more than 30,000 people to fill up the stadium.

VIPs in attendance will include industrialists, Bollywood personalities and sportspersons. Sources say superstar Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai have already confirmed their attendance. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, too, will be present on the occasion. Party leaders say several industrialists, bankers and office-bearers of chambers of commerce and industry have also confirmed their attendance.

The ceremony will conclude with a victory lap around the stadium by the new Chief Minister and his Cabinet ministers, BJP officials said.