US R&B star Akon is to record a track for a Bollywood film, following in the footsteps of rapper Snoop Dogg who raised his profile in the Indian market with a similar foray.

The Grammy Award-nominated star will contribute to the soundtrack of RA.One, a sci-fi action film currently in production starring heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan as a flying superhero and actress Kareena Kapoor as his love interest.

Unlike Snoop Dogg, who featured on the soundtrack of the 2008 Bollywood film Singh is Kinng, Akon will sing in Hindi.

Khan told a news conference in Mumbai on Tuesday (March 9): “He (Akon) is a gracious person. He will record a song in Hindi and will also feature in the video. He has flown with his family, friends and a team of musicians.”

Akon, known for his collaborations with other artists such as Lady Gaga, has given his services for free, Khan added.

“India is my next focus area,” Akon told reporters. “I want to try different things, want to explore, want to enjoy my work. We have the same kind of entertainment, the only difference is of tradition and language.”