The "nexus" between Bollywood and the underworld more than 15 years ago was on Friday night laid bare by a private TV channel.

The channel claimed that almost 22 film personalities were caught on tape "not only enjoying the hospitality of the 'D' family but also dancing to the tunes of the world's most dreaded criminal Dawood Ibrahim".

The channel said the tape dated back to 1990 when celebrities from the tinsel town went to entertain the "D" family. The occasion was the first birthday party of the son of Anees Ibrahim, Dawood's brother. The two brothers were also seen in the party.

The first episode of the three-part programme named Godfather showed personalities like the famous comedian late Mehmood, music director Anu Malik, Shabbir Kumar, Kumar Sanu, Adhesh Srivastava and Gulshan Grover.

The release claimed that the 22 Bollywood personalities included six lead actors, four villains, two lead actresses, two famous comedians, three playback singers and two music directors.

It said the birthday party was held at a five star hotel in Dubai in September 1990.

Two more episodes would be shown on Saturday and Sunday.