Bollywood Nights

Hello, thinking of snuggling up on the sofa for a film night in your silky Indian cotton pajamas?

Well, how about getting into the spirit of India in a new way….try a Bollywood movie!

I have failed to appreciate until now, the diversity of the Bollywood film sector.

Unfortunately, Bollywood movies have been stereotyped as cheesy and ‘fluffy’, as largely  colourful escapism, but I’m finding out there’s far more to these films.

Did you know that Bollywood movies account for only a portion of the entire Indian film industry output?

Yes, ‘Bollywood’, (the movie-making industry begun in Bombay, now Mumbai, in the 1930s), is actually Hindi-language films. There are other Indian film sectors, grouped according to the language spoken, including Tollywood and Kollywood!

Mumbai has long been the heartland of India’s arts and culture industries, as well as a centre for wealth and multiculturalism.

It’s no surprise Mumbai became the major outlet for films, and today Bollywood films sell 1 billion tickets at the box office every year!

Wow…

Now, as I’ve said, when I think of Bollywood movies, I have to say I have been hoodwinked by stereotyping!

I think of ‘Bollywood’ as all flashy dance numbers, and fairy-tale boy-meets-girl storylines.

I am mistaken, and I do apologise for my ignorance :)

While Bollywood movies have long featured rousing set pieces and fabulous costumes, with a fairy-tale happy ending, there’s much more diversity going on.

Available on Netflix, is a movie called Dangal, which is a rousing drama based on a true story. It’s about an ex-wrestler who longs to have a son who will follow his dad’s goal of winning championship gold.

Well, there’s a surprise in store for this father.

His two daughters turn out to have their dad’s gift for wrestling too, and the movie follows their gender-defying journey for glory!

I must try and find this film!

On top of it’s massive box office takings, Bollywood produces 1000 films each year, double the output of Hollywood, according to an article I read on trafalgar.co!

So there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Bollywood movies feature interesting and quirky protagonists, such as a traditional Indian mum who discovers a world of possibilities through learning English and visiting New York in English Vinglish (2012).

If you're looking for emotional drama and a bit of a tear-jerker, try Kal Ho Naa Ho, a very successful romantic comedy-drama from 2003 starring one of Bollywood’s top leading male actors, Shah Rukh Khan.

It explores several themes, such as the depiction of non-resident Indians, inter-caste marriage, terminal illness, and homosexuality.

I hope this has whetted your appetite for a Bollywood-themed film night.

I’m off to seek out  Dangal and spend a relaxing evening in my PJ’s.

By Guest Blogger:  Victoria Chadwick

If you'd like to check out the pyjamas we have, perfect for snuggle up times to watch a good film, take a look at the collection here.