Eleven-year-old Neil Shastri has had roles in lots of theatrical shows around St. Louis. But, last month, he earned his first role on Broadway.

Neil Shastri

Last summer, he played in Shakespeare Festival and Muny productions in Forest Park.

This spring, he'll have a principal character role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, "Bombay Dreams." That musical makes its Broadway debut in April.

Neil and his sister, Anita, were profiled in the June, 2003, edition of Young Saint Louis.com. In Followup stories, YSL.com likes to keep track of new developments in lives of kids from past issues.

To read the previous YSL.com article, click here.

Last month, Neil and his mother, JJ, moved to New York as rehearsals for the Webber musical were getting underway. "Bombay Dreams" is already a hit in London and is being adapted for the New York stage.

The musical is about the film industry in India, which is called Bollywood.

Neil will fit right in to the cast. He's of Indian descent and from a theatrical family.

Although he was born in the United States, both his parents were born and married in India. Also, father Jay, who is an architect, was considered for several years to be the St. Louis' best theatrical dancer.

Neil was first noticed by the Webber team through a video audition. He then flew to New York for a live audition and received the role of "Munna." Neil plays a 10-year-old who has a principal character role in the musical.