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Indian connection

Bringing the mountain to Mohammed was always going to be a tricky proposition but Jack Morton Worldwide did succeed in bringing Big Ben to Delhi recently to mark the Mayor of London's visit to India for "London & India: Partners in Globalisation."

The week-long programme was designed to strengthen and extend business and tourism ties between London and India. The visit was formally opened with the signing of a tourism agreement in Rajiv Gandhi Chowk, a landmark park in central Delhi, before the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, and representatives of local government and tourism in India. The event saw Jack Morton create a theatrical backdrop which included a large-scale (52 feet high) model of Big Ben. Traditional Hindi dancers performed in front of the structure to an audience comprising local and international VIP guests plus members of the public.

Jack Morton also produced "London and Mumbai – A creative celebration" at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. The event, attended by representatives of the Indian arts and culture industries, celebrated the best of British and Indian talent. Performers included award winning London poet, Kat Francois, Indian singing sensation Sonu Nigham and West End star, Simon Bowman. MC, Myleen Klass joined the Mayor of London to present Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan with the Visit London Awards 2007 special award for outstanding achievement as sponsored by Virgin Atlantic.

David Zolkwer, director, Jack Morton Worldwide commented: “It was a delight to work with London Unlimited and the Mayor’s office to create events of such diversity and theatricality in two such extraordinary cities. The level of enthusiasm for the end result expressed by our client, audiences and the Indian media alike was very rewarding."

Deborah Hale, director of London Unlimited, the international marketing agency for London that delivered the visit, said: “‘Jack Morton produced two faultless events for us in India, which were totally professionally presented and very well received.”