The cast of Bollywood-influenced US comedy The Guru - including Heather Graham and Jimi Mistry - were out in force to celebrate its London première.

Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei and comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, who also appear in the movie, were there alongside celebrities including S Club singer Rachel Stevens and pop group Sugababes.

Former EastEnders and East is East star Mistry plays Delhi dance teacher Ramu, who moves to New York to follow his dream of becoming a film star.

Bollywood is establishing itself quite big now - it's come at the right time

Jimi Mistry

Graham, who starred in Boogie Nights and Austin Powers 2, plays an "adult" film star who Ramu meets after mistakenly attending a porn audition.

He inadvertently finds himself drawn into New York's high society as a sex guru, using the philosophical maxims of his porn star friend.

Graham used the gala night to stick up for British men, following the recent attack on their dating qualifications by actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Ant date

Paltrow said British men were often too afraid to ask her out and did not compare to American men when it comes to romance.

The film features Bollywood dance numbers

"I've had a few English boyfriends and they were aggressive enough to ask me out," said Graham, who in the past dated 80s pop star Adam Ant.

She also said she was not worried about being typecast after starring as a porn actress in two films.

She said: "I think this is a really different film from Boogie Nights. I thought maybe I shouldn't do it because its another porn actress but I'd rather do a good film than worry about being typecast."

The Guru, which recently had its world première at Edinburgh Film Festival, features Bollywood dance routines as well as send-ups based on Western stereotypes of Asian men.

"It's a good cross-over from Indian culture to Hollywood culture," Mistry told the BBC.

"It's been building for a while, more films with Indian subjects.

"Bollywood is establishing itself quite big now. It's come at the right time."

Joyful

Mistry said the film mocked the "faddiness" of American culture and that he had put in 150% into his performance.

"It's a role where I think you have to be quite fearless."

The Sugababes attended the première

Mistry recently complained he had been offered roles only for Asian actors, rather than a full range of parts.

Graham said the film had kindled her interest in Bollywood.

"It's my dream to be in a musical.

"I knew about [Bollywood]. But they sent us some films. They're so great, so happy, singing joyful and over-the-top."

At the after-show party at the Elysium nightclub, Graham and Mistry took to the stage to entertain guests.

The actress danced while Mistry sang Hindi tunes from the film soundtrack.