Bollywood Buddy: Celebrating South Asian Elders with Dementia through Music and Dance
Welcome to Bollywood Buddy – a joyful, culturally enriching initiative that uplifts the lives of older South Asian individuals living with dementia and mental health challenges. Through the vibrant rhythms of Bollywood music and dance, our programme creates an inclusive space where participants can reconnect with their heritage, express themselves, and feel valued and seen.
Ongoing and proudly funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Bollywood Buddy delivers weekly two-hour sessions led by professional artists working directly within care homes. These sessions offer a powerful blend of creativity, memory stimulation, emotional well-being, and social connection for residents who are often at risk of isolation.
We’re proud to bring music, movement, and meaningful engagement into care homes — creating joyful moments and fostering deeper connections within these living communities.
🌟 Voices of Experience
From Participants:
- “I unlocked memories I thought were lost.
- “Bollywood Buddy is the highlight of my week; it makes me feel connected and happy.”
- “I’ve made new friends and feel more part of the community.”
- “This activity has brought joy and a sense of belonging back into my life.”
- “I feel happier, and it has helped me reconnect with my culture in a meaningful way.”
From Family Members:
- “I’ve seen a significant positive change in my relative since joining Bollywood Buddy— they’re more engaged and happier.”
- “It’s heartwarming to see my father dancing again; it’s like a part of him has come back to life.”
- “The sessions have encouraged more family visits, and I love seeing my loved one smile and participate.”
- “This has shifted my view of care homes — they feel like vibrant communities, not just places of care.”
- “My mum hums the songs all week. It’s brought joy not just to her, but to all of us.”
- “Bollywood Buddy has become a bonding point for our whole family — we talk about the sessions, we sing the songs together.”
💫 The Impact
Bollywood Buddy shows how culturally tailored, arts-based activities can transform life inside care homes. By celebrating identity and enabling joyful expression through music and movement, the project has led to:
- ✅ Increased emotional well-being and reduced isolation
- ✅ Improved memory recall and communication
- ✅ More vibrant and engaging care home environments
- ✅ Strengthened relationships between residents, staff, and families
- ✅ A renewed connection to culture, identity, and joy
We remain deeply committed to supporting the well-being of South Asian elders in care homes and continuing to grow Bollywood Buddy — because every elder deserves joy, connection, and a vibrant sense of belonging.
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for making this journey possible.
