BOLLYWOOD FABULOUS

Bollywood, and all things Indian, I must say, are either already a part of, or fast on its way to becoming, a part of American pop culture. From what was once a mention every now and then in the mainstream media (usually in a mocking tone) is now a regular thing. Corey Takahashi in the beginning of March wrote a tremendous story in Newsday about the South-Asian Daisporadic music scene. Then there was the Oscar nominated Moulin Rouge which incorporated the song Chamma Chamma into their soundtrack. Two items with desi flavor from the past year that has influenced this boom must be attributed to Mira Nair's overwhelming success, Monsoon Wedding, and of course, Ashutosh Gowariker's, Lagaan: Once upon a Time in India being nominated for a Best Foreign Film. One of the most overwhelming indicators of the popularity of Bollywood and India is the upcoming, (opening June 19th I think) Andrew Lloyd Webber written and musical composition by A.R. Rahman, Bombay Dreams. A musical that is sure to be amazing and be able to spread more awareness of things Indian and Bollywood. Even hip-hoppers and rappers are getting into the game. The most recent Dr. Dre protege, Truth Hurts, in her new single "Addicitve," which features Rakim, uses a bollywood film song, sung I think by the Songstress of India, Lata Mangeshkar, as its chorus. Indian culture has been influential the world over since the beginning of time, but to be a South-Asian American today, you cannot beat it.

Other sites of interest for those interested in the Diaspora are
The Satya Circle
Masala
George Washington University's Bhangra Blowout
Mutiny and Basement Bhangra

here are some recent stories
Bully for Bollywood from the village voice
The Cricketing of an Indian Village , a review of Lagaan from the New York Times
Kitsch With a Niche: Bollywood Chic Finds a Home
London Celebrates Indian Moviemakers

posted by sajit @ 9:52 AM