That new craze called Bollywood!

What is this thing called Bollywood anyway?  Bollywood gets it's name by combining the American "Hollywood" musicals influence with the musicals of Bombay (Mumbai)...hence...the name Bollywood was created. 

Bollywood has been made popular worldwide by current movies like "Slumdog Millionaire"...and BIG Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan(now known simply by SRK) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.  These stars have a global effect on today's Pop Culture.

Bollywood is a fusion mix of India's classical dances which include the  Regional dances of Bhangra, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Rajastani, Garba to name a few.  These classical dance forms are fused with Hip Hop, Latin, Middle Eastern "Bellydance" as well as Jazz and Modern dances.

Mainly used in a Bollywood class is Bhangra which is a lively festive folk dance from the culture of the Punjabi's.  It's origins date back to the 14th or 15th century in Pakistan & Punjab.  It is centered on the rhythm and the beat of the Dhol (drums). Originally it was danced by the "brotherhood" of men.  Props include sticks, swords and daggers.  It is a community social dance done at festivals, weddings and other social gatherings.  The women's version is referred to as "Giddha" which is a more lyrical dance.

Today's cross over movies help to generate interest in India's Bollywood popularity.  I have listed below a few of my favorite movies to get you started into the wonderful world of Bollywood...and Beyond!

Layla's recommendations....just to name a few...

Good cross-over movies for a good introduction to the culture...lighthearted and fun to watch...

1.  Bride and Prejudice

2.  Outsourced

3.  Marigold 

Recently made for TV....

1.  Bollywood Hero  (silly but fun)

Good Bollywood movies with sub-titles.

1.  Slumdog Millionaire

2.  Jodaa Akbar - (historical period piece)

3.  Billou Barber

4.  Lagian (period piece 1893)

I am going to close with one last thought....and quote from a Guru (teacher) of classical Bharatnatyam dance...

"Dance is an expression of devotional life and of a relationship to spirtuality"

Enjoy your journey!

Nameste!