Mouse couple gets monumental welcome at the Taj

Agra, Nov 1 (UNI) They entered the monument of love, not furtively like their other rodent cousins, but strode in to a tumultuous welcome from cheering kids who had gathered at the Taj Mahal to see their favourite cartoon characters, Mickey Mouse and his girlfriend Minnie.

While Mickey wore a sparkling mustard yellow sherwani with lace and gota with feet shod in not-so-small golden 'jootis', gorgeous Minnie was draped in a multi-coloured saree with elegant stone jewellery. As they entered the alleyway leading to the Taj yesterday, they were mobbed by fans who also gave them a cheerful round of applause. With camera bulbs flashing all around, they posed for a while, kissing and hugging each other.

"The experience was unique and I still can't believe that I was standing with real Mickey," eight-year-old Simone from Ajmer said blinking her eyes in excitement. She had a chance to pose with the endearing characters created by Walt Disney.

Disney India fans will experience some real Disney magic as Mickey Mouse comes straight from the dazzling world of Hollywood into their lives with his own talk show on stage. A special live event titled 'The Mickey Mouse Show' will be held in New Delhi and Mumbai in November. That is not all as Mickey's friends Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and sweetheart Minnie will accompany him in filling the auditorium with music, laughter and fun-filled vigor.

Mr Mahesh Samat, Country Head, Walt Disney Company, India, said, "We continue to build relevance and reach in the country through our loved characters and stories in our vision to build a family entertainment brand in the country. We are happy to celebrate this festival season with a special treat for Disney fans." They will entertain the admirers with their lovable antics and all-round fun that families can participate in. "Mickey has a special Bollywood surprise planned for his fans too that will have you singing and dancing on the aisles," added Mr K Seshasaye, Director Corporate Communication and Outreach, Walt Disney Company, India.

Referring to the designers who created the beautiful dresses for the characters, Mr Seshasaye said, "The costumes have been designed by the designers at Disneyland. Moreover, Mickey and Minnie have their own taste and get involved personally. They love Indian costumes and especially Minnie loves her saree." Asked if there was any specific reason to choose the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, as their inaugural spot, he noted that Mickey and Minnie were known for their friendship over the years and no other site could have suited best for the reason that Mickey takes his beloved on a holiday to enjoy the festive season.

He said tickets for the show can be booked at website http://www.bookmyshow.com/Disney.

Nine shows with three per day will be held in New Delhi at Siri Fort Auditorium from November four to six. The show will then go to Mumbai in the later part of the month.

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a diversified, international family entertainment and media enterprise which includes Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, The Walt Disney Studios, ABC, Inc, ESPN, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Consumer Products, television, radio stations and websites.

UNI GL NK SSC1057