Bollywood Boulevard Spring 2020 US Tour Postponement

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 – Due to growing concerns and restrictions regarding COVID-19, MELA Arts Connect and SRO Artists announced today the postponement of the spring 2020 tour of Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey through Hindi Cinema Live. The difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Bollywood Boulevard tour in its entirety stems from the quickly changing conditions and uncertainty of further venue closures and international travel restrictions that may take place over the next four to six weeks. With a company of over 20 artists travelling from India for the tour, MELA and SRO cannot risk exposing both the company and audience members to potential infection or quarantine, as well as running into potential venue restrictions as communities take steps to control the virus outbreak.

“We did not come to this decision lightly. As a small, independent producer and agency, responsible for the livelihoods of our artists and tour staff, we are quite aware of the ripple effects of these cancellations on our own viability, as well as the needs of our artists to meet their personal financial obligations. In the end, public health concerns were the determining factor,” says Heena Patel, CEO of MELA Arts Connect and Executive Producer and Artistic Director of Bollywood Boulevard. “Given the uncertainty of the situation, we felt this was the only responsible direction.”

In this unprecedented situation, MELA asks for patience as they determine the best course of action to support the company artists and staff, presenting organizations, and audience members. 

Considerations for postponed dates will be communicated as they are confirmed. 

For ticket purchasers, it is advised they contact their individual point of sale regarding policies around ticket changes. If ticket purchasers are able, MELA asks they consider donating back the price of their ticket to the presenting organization to help ease the financial burden for all impacted by these challenges.