Annotated Bibliography: World Music
Fall 2010
Bollywood: The Soul of Indian Cinema
India is a beautiful South Asian country full of great sights to see, foods to eat and experiences that are once in a life time. The people, music and culture itself are enough to keep you busy and entertained for endless amounts of time. Aside from India being a travel hot spot for tourists all over the world, this country was not always as pleasant to visit in years past. Traditional India was under a strict social hierarchy, based on strict religious tradition as well as social restrictions. Here is a brief overview of struggle of India's independence:
Aside from many other traditions, music is one of India's strongest cultural expressions and entertainments. Folk, R&B, classical music, hip hop and pop are among India's most popular.These styles were all derived Carnatic and Hindustani styles; These are classical techniques with traditional instruments. Just as all cultures, India has evolved into a pop music capital of the world.
Bollywood is film-oriented and originates from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Bollywood is India's main source of cinema entertainment and is referred to as the "Indian Cinema" in general. In the 1970's India took over America as the largest film producer, Bollywood. As Bollywood originated in Bombay and Hollywood was the cinema capital of the world, the two were combined to create what is now an empire of musical and cinematic success.
A wild assortment of drums, hindi quitar as well as strong orchestras and even pianos. The sound of Bollywood music is a mixture of both Western and Indian styles of music, so the combination of western instruments meats the middle eastern sound. Some Indian instruments include the sarang, bombashi and chande. These elements of music put to a hip hop beat creates a whole new world of music by which we know it as Bollywood.
When you think of Bollywood, you think of incredible song and dance performances shared with bright colors, sets and costumes. Bollywood dancing contributes classical dancing styles and Westernized hip hop, as seen on MTV and is combined into a grand performance. There is a "hero" and "heroine" in each Bollywood film and is supported by a number a background dancers. All using gracious and sultry arm movements, twists of the hips and wild choreography.
Bollywood in this generation has evolved from simple and "new age" Indian music or entertainment to a hot sensation that has spread world wide. Today, Bollywood is as popular as hip hop and pop in Western countries. Some say that this style of cinema has changed drastically in very superficial ways, from costumes to dance moves being "too provocative", but others think this is the element Bollywood has always had and it is changing with the times.
In India, there are few places to see Bollywood in person. You may only come across this sensation on movies and music videos that are popular in this country. However, there are a handful of cafes and restaurants that provided a Bollywood style to their atmosphere: Dancers, light shows, hindi music and more. You are more likely to come across Bollywood night clubs in places such as London and around various places in Europe.
As Bollywood is popular on the Eastern side of the globe, it has traveled it's way in to American society today. Movies such as Bend It Like Beckham and Slumdog Millionaire have been box office hits and are known in just about all homes. Some Bollywood has been incorporated in to American musical artist's hits such as Shakira who is known for her sultry dancing and love of cultural music. Bollywood theaters, dance classes, restaurants and night clubs have also made their way to LA, New York and Seattle.
Here are some Bollywood hot spots that are somewhat close to home:
