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Guided Question:
How have Bollywood films influenced Indian culture throughout the years? -
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Citations
Grant, A. (2018, July 19). Welcome to Bollywood! Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-bollywood-3549901 Bollywood. (2019, April 18). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bollywood Timeline: 100 years of Bollywood. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/central/2013-09-16/timeline-100-years-of-bollywood/ -
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Impact
All of population is impacted by Bollywood. It sets and changes cultural norms and restrictions, and opens our eyes to things we have never thought about. Women's rights, lower class, mainstream society have been affected. Historical change in societal norms (women's rights, movies on lower class, what is NOW acceptable) have transformed this cultural expression. -
Raja Harishchandra
Raja Harishchandra (1913), is known as the first silent feature film made in India. It is 40 minutes long and was directed, screen played, and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke.
Although this film was silent, it had English, Marathi, and Hindi subtitles. Dadasaheb Phalke has stated that male actors had to play the roles of women in this film as he had trouble to find any female actresses. Women did not have as much freedom and rights in society back in 1913 and couldn't have careers like such. -
The 1920's
Many new productions were built and running. Most films during this era were mythological or historical. Imports from Hollywood (primarily action films) were well received by Indian audiences. Indian producers were inspired and quickly began following suit.
Although, mythological literature and Indian Classics such as The Ramayana and The Mahabharata still dominated throughout the decade. -
Alam Ara
Alam Ara was the first Bollywood film to have sound (talking and singing). It was directed by Ardeshir Irani, and screened in Bombay. This film is about jealousy and romance between a king and two rivalry queens.
There were females in this film such as actress Zubeida, who was the lead. This demonstrated that women had gained some more freedom in society compared to before. -
Modern Indian Film was Born
During 1947, the Bollywood industry went through some changes. Some believe it was the time which modern Indian film was born. Historical and Mythological stories were now being replaced with social-reformist films. This turned the critical eye on ancient social practices such as the dowry system, polygamy, and prostitution. -
Mahal
Mahal was the first horror Indian film directed by Kamal Amrohi. This film was a story about a ghost who haunts the palace which he and his lover lived in 40 years later.
This movie was a huge success in Bollywood history as India's first reincarnation thriller film. -
The 1950's
During the 1950's, many filmmakers such as Bimal Roy and Satyajit Ray focused on the lives of the lower classes throughout their films who until this time were mostly ignored as subjects in society. This impacted society greatly as it inspired social and political changes, and cinematic movements in the U.S and Europe. -
The 1960's
Driven by the desire to offer a greater sense of realism and an understanding of the common man, the films during the 1960's differed from the larger commercial production, which provided a sense of escapism.More realistic looking actors where used (more relatable).During this time, Indian censors banned on screen kiss demonstrating that at this time in Indian culture, this was disrespectful and innapropriate, demonstrating the cultural expectations & restrictions at this time.
(modest clothes) -
The 1970's
The idea of "Masala films" was created. (mash of genres including action, comedy, melodrama punctuated by ~6 song and dance numbers) -
Sholay
Bollywood's first hit action film was released in 1975, called Sholay. It was very popular, shown in Indian theaters for five years. It is a defining example of the masala film. Scholars noted several themes in the film, such as glorification of violence, conformation to feudal ethos, debate between social order and mobilised usurpers, homosocial bonding.The film's dialogues and certain characters became extremely popular cultural memes and becoming part of India's daily vernacular. -
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The 1980's and 1990's
Rise of several women directors (Aparna Sen, Meera Nair).Film directors/producers wanted to portray that Indian culture is filled with love and romance to influence society/audiences. Romantic films were a common theme at this time. Some hit romantic films include; Maine Pyar Kiya (1987), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). -
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
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The 2000's
Bollywood continues to make mostly romantic films with melodrama to interest the public and influence the perception of Indian culture as it appears colourful, loving, and romantic. Bollywood now allows on screen kiss (cultural change)
Currently in Indian culture, it is shown through Bollywood that society is no longer as restrictive on what is worn, and shown on tv. Cultural norms have changed over time. (clothing, actions, ways emotion is shown, etc.). -
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2000's - Present
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Conclusion
I have come to conclusion that Bollywood and Indian culture has been influenced by Hollywood. From women not having rights in all of society, to now having freedom and rights on what they do, wear, and say. Indian culture has been influenced by this cultural expression as love and romance appear to be essential in their daily lives due to becoming so prominant in Bollywood films over time.
