Page 38 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

36  INTRODUCING INDIA

The Hindi Film Industry

Hindi films from Bollywood (deriving its name
from Bombay) are a fascinating mix of romance,
violence, comedy, and tragedy, interspersed
with song-and-dance sequences, and with a
clear social or moral message. Ever since the
inception of the industry in 1899, its
output has swung from mythological
epics to action thrillers to family dramas.
But the basic masala (spicy mix) formula,
which appeals to a large and diverse
audience, remains unchanged.

Heroes While Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh
Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have
stayed at the top of their game for around
25 years, the talented younger generation
of actors includes the likes of Ranbir
Kapoor (right) and Ranveer Singh (centre),
touted as the next big superstars.

Romance trickles down into almost every plot. The hero
wooing the heroine always forms a very popular sequence.
A favourite with the masses, Salman Khan (above) is famous
for delivering blockbusters on the sheer strength of his stardom.
Seen here with him is Sonam Kapoor, Bollywood’s fashion icon,
best-known for her gripping role in Neerja.

The Business
of Bollywood
It costs anywhere between
US$1.75 million and $30 million
to produce a Bollywood film.
The budget is spent on
Song-and-dance
sequences range from massive fees for the stars,
duets between the exotic locations, special effects
hero and heroine to and huge promotional
spectacular set pieces campaigns. Of the more
with lots of male and than 100 films produced every
female dancers. These year, some are dubbed into
are released before the regional Indian languages,
film as music videos for or subtitled in English for
TV, and often become international audiences.
hits, even if the film
does not do well at
the box office.

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