The History of Bollywood (Radio Edit)
Digest
This episode of Your Dead To Me dives into the fascinating history of Bollywood, the world's most watched cinema. The episode begins by exploring the origins of Indian theatre and the principles of performance laid out in the Nathushastra, a Sanskrit text dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The episode then traces the evolution of Indian cinema, from the arrival of the Lumiere brothers' camera in 1896 to the rise of sound and color in the 1930s. The episode also examines the impact of British colonial censorship on Indian cinema and the role of Bollywood in reflecting the political and social changes of the 20th century. The episode concludes with a discussion of the modern-day Bollywood industry, its global reach, and its enduring appeal to audiences worldwide.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast, Your Dead To Me, and its hosts, Greg Jenner and Poppy J. The episode's topic, the history of Bollywood, is announced, and the guests, Professor Sonny Singh and Poppy J, are welcomed.
So What Do You Know?
This Chapter begins with a brief overview of Bollywood's global popularity and its significance as the world's largest film industry. The hosts then discuss the historical origins of Bollywood, exploring the term's origins and its implications. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the importance of understanding the history of theatre in India to fully appreciate the evolution of Bollywood.
The Birth of Indian Cinema
This Chapter delves into the arrival of cinema in India in 1896, following the invention of the camera by the Lumiere brothers. The hosts discuss the rapid adoption of film technology in India and the emergence of the first feature film, Raja Harish Chandra, in 1913. The chapter also explores the early influence of theatre on Indian cinema and the use of multiple languages in both mediums.
The Rise of Sound and Color
This Chapter examines the introduction of sound to Indian cinema in 1931 with the film Alamara. The hosts discuss the immediate integration of song and dance into Bollywood films and the significance of these elements in the narrative and emotional impact of the films. The chapter also explores the arrival of color technology in the 1930s, highlighting the collaboration between Indian and German filmmakers and the challenges of rendering South Asian skin tones on screen.
Keywords
Bollywood
Bollywood is a term used to refer to the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India. It is the world's largest film industry in terms of the number of films produced and is known for its elaborate musical numbers, dramatic storylines, and star-studded casts. The term "Bollywood" is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (the former name of Mumbai) and "Hollywood." It is often used as a catch-all term for Indian cinema, although India produces films in many languages.
Nathushastra
The Nathushastra is an ancient Sanskrit text that lays out the principles of theatre, performance, and drama in India. It dates back to the 2nd century BCE and contains over 6,000 verses that cover every aspect of theatrical production, from acting and costume to lighting and staging. The Nathushastra has served as a foundational text for Indian performance art for over 2,000 years.
Masala Movie
A masala movie is a genre of Indian cinema that combines elements of various genres, including action, romance, comedy, and drama. The term "masala" refers to a mixture of spices, and the genre is characterized by its blend of different ingredients. Masala movies are often highly entertaining and feature elaborate musical numbers, dramatic storylines, and larger-than-life characters.
British Raj
The British Raj refers to the period of British rule in India from 1757 to 1947. During this time, the British East India Company gradually gained control of India, eventually becoming the dominant power in the region. The British Raj had a profound impact on Indian society, culture, and politics, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
Partition of India
The Partition of India was the division of British India into the independent nations of India and Pakistan in 1947. The partition was a highly contentious event, resulting in widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life. The partition had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent, shaping the political landscape and the lives of millions of people.
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is an Indian actor, film producer, and television personality. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema and has starred in over 200 films. Bachchan is known for his charismatic screen presence, his powerful performances, and his iconic roles in films such as "Sholay" (1975), "Deewaar" (1975), and "Don" (1978). He is also a prominent figure in Indian politics and has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.
Sharuk Khan
Sharuk Khan is an Indian actor, film producer, and television personality. He is one of the most popular and successful actors in the history of Indian cinema, known for his romantic roles and his charismatic screen presence. Khan has starred in over 80 films, including "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995), "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998), and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001). He is also a prominent figure in Indian philanthropy and has been awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.
Sartana
Sartana was a popular Indian actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. She was known for her glamorous style and her roles in films such as "Aradhana" (1969) and "Mere Sapno Ki Rani" (1969). Sartana popularized a hairstyle known as the "Sartana cut," which featured a short, Audrey Hepburn-like fringe. She also introduced modern, tight-fitting versions of traditional Indian clothing, such as the Shalvarkamis and Churidarkamis.
Q&A
What is the Nathushastra and why is it important to understanding Bollywood?
The Nathushastra is an ancient Sanskrit text that lays out the principles of theatre, performance, and drama in India. It dates back to the 2nd century BCE and has served as a foundational text for Indian performance art for over 2,000 years. Understanding the Nathushastra is crucial to understanding the evolution of Bollywood because it provides insights into the historical and cultural context of Indian cinema.
How did British colonial censorship impact Indian cinema?
British colonial authorities were wary of the growing popularity of Indian cinema, particularly films that reflected anti-colonial sentiments or promoted Indian nationalism. They introduced various regulatory acts, including the Press Act of 1910 and the Cinematograph Act of 1918, to censor films that were deemed to be a threat to British rule. Filmmakers used clever strategies, such as incorporating political messages into songs and lyrics, to circumvent censorship and convey their ideas.
What is the significance of song and dance in Bollywood films?
Song and dance are integral elements of Bollywood films, serving both narrative and emotional purposes. They provide levity and emotional relief for the audience, while also advancing the plot and developing characters. The music industry in India is closely tied to Bollywood, and the sale of film soundtracks can contribute significantly to a film's budget.
How has Bollywood reflected the political and social changes of the 20th century?
Bollywood has served as a mirror to the political and social changes of the 20th century in India. Films have addressed issues such as partition, independence, corruption, and social inequality. The rise of the "angry young man" character in the 1970s reflected the frustration of India's first postcolonial generation, while the emergence of stars like Sharuk Khan in the 1990s reflected the changing social and cultural landscape of India.
What is the current state of the Bollywood industry?
Bollywood remains a global phenomenon, with a reach of over 3.6 billion people worldwide. The industry continues to produce a wide range of films, from traditional masala movies to modern action blockbusters. While Hollywood may have larger budgets, Bollywood's reach and cultural impact are undeniable.
Show Notes
In this episode, Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Sunny Singh and broadcaster Poppy Jay to learn all about the history of Indian cinema, colloquially known as Bollywood. Filmmaking technology arrived in India in 1896, only six months after the Lumiere brothers debuted their invention in Paris. Nowadays, over 700 films are released in India every year, and it is the most popular cinema in the world, reaching over a billion more viewers a year than Hollywood. From the first Indian film in 1913, through the arrival of 'talkies' and colour in the 1930s, to its incredible success today, this episode explores the vibrant history of Bollywood, and the way it has reflected and shaped modern Indian society and politics.
This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.
Research by: Madeleine Bracey
Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Production Coordinator: Caitlin Hobbs
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
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