Black British comedian Richard Blackwood is to make his debut in a new Bollywood film.

The actor and funny man will be playing Jimmy, a bass guitarist in a new movie about the rise of a multicultural urban music band and is set in the heart of Birmingham. He stars in Don’t Stop Dreaming alongside Bollywood greats Rishi Kapoor and Sunil Shetty.

In an interview with British showbiz magazine Ikonz, Blackwood explained how he hoped to use the opportunity to work with global acting talent to hopefully break into Hollywood.

“It was really fun because I didn’t realise how famous and respected these actors were in India until I actually worked with them for Don‘t Stop Dreaming. I would do an Indian show and say ‘Hey, I now know Rishi Kapoor’,” he told editor Reena Combo.

“Most definitely you can’t go into Hollywood until you’re ready. I think Bollywood is definitely the right way to get there,” he added.

Blackwood began his career in stand-up comedy at the age of 21 and was most recently seen appearing as a regular character in the Bo Selecta! sketch shows.

The Capitol Radio DJ, who once hosting dating game show Singled Out on Channel 5, felt his latest project was also a step in the right direction in terms of celebrating diversity.

He explained: “I liked the fun element of the movie and the bonding of cultures through music. I think that it is very important and the prevalent message in the movie, and hopefully that will come across to the public who watch Don‘t Stop Dreaming.”

The interview also probes Blackwood’s personal life, his all-time comedy heroes and his love for the late R’n’B singer Aaliyah, whom he says he would have asked to marry him, had he met her.

Also starring in the British-Bollywood co-production are former Eastenders star Michelle Collins alongside music artist Taz of Stereo Nation, whom has also composed the soundtrack for the film, alongside Brummie musician Apache Indian.