How Bollywood connects the World

How Bollywood connects the World

How Bollywood connects the World

Bollywood is more than just a film industry. It is a cultural phenomenon that showcases India’s rich and diverse heritage to the world. Bollywood films are known for their colourful costumes, elaborate song and dance sequences, and melodramatic plots. They often portray themes such as family values, love, patriotism, social justice, and religious tolerance.

But do you know that Bollywood is also hugely popular in many countries outside India? Here are some examples of how Bollywood has influenced and connected different cultures across the globe.

Pakistan

Pakistan is perhaps the only country where Bollywood movies are as well-known as in India. Despite the political tensions between the two nations, Bollywood films, music, and celebrities are extremely popular among Pakistani audiences. Many Pakistani actors and singers have also worked in Bollywood, such as Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Bollywood films are often shown on Pakistani television channels and cinemas, and some of them have even broken box office records in Pakistan.

China

China is another country where Bollywood has made a huge impact in recent years. Aamir Khan is one of the most loved Bollywood stars in China, where he is affectionately called ‘Uncle Khan’. His films such as Dangal, 3 Idiots, PK, and Secret Superstar have smashed box office records in China and earned him millions of fans. Dangal is the highest-grossing Bollywood film worldwide, with over 20 billion Indian rupees in revenue. Some Chinese fans even paid tribute to Aamir Khan by dancing to his songs. Other Bollywood films that have done well in China include Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Hindi Medium, Andhadhun, and Hichki.

Egypt

Egypt has a long history of love for Bollywood films. Since the 1980s, Egyptians have been watching Bollywood movies on television and enjoying their songs and dances. Amitabh Bachchan is the most popular Bollywood star in Egypt, where he is known as ‘Big B’. Egyptians even protested to bring back Bollywood films to theatres when they were banned by the government for 25 years to protect the local film industry. Bollywood films have also influenced Egyptian fashion, music, and language.

Japan

Japan is another country where Bollywood has a loyal fan base, especially for Tamil films. Rajinikanth is the most famous Bollywood actor in Japan, where he is known as ‘The Dancing Maharajah’. His film Muthu was a blockbuster hit in Japan in 1998 and opened the doors for other Indian films to enter the Japanese market. Other Bollywood films that have been successful in Japan include 3 Idiots, Ek Tha Tiger, Don 2, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Dhoom 3, English Vinglish, Ra One, Om Shanti Om, and PK. Bollywood style dance classes are also very popular among Japanese men and women.

Poland

Poland is a country where Bollywood has found an unlikely fan following. Shah Rukh Khan is the most admired Bollywood star in Poland, where he has a huge fan club. His films such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Dil Se, Main Hoon Na, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna have been widely watched and appreciated by Polish audiences. Some Polish fans even know the lyrics to his songs and lines from his movies. Bollywood films have also inspired Polish filmmakers to make movies with Indian themes or actors.

Gulf Countries

The Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, have also embraced Bollywood films with enthusiasm. Bollywood films are often shown on local television channels and cinemas, and attract both Indian expatriates and Arab nationals. Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan have a huge fan following in the region. Bollywood films have also influenced the fashion, music, and language of the Gulf countries. Some Bollywood films have even been shot in the scenic locations of the Gulf, such as Tiger Zinda Hai, Bang Bang, Race 3, and War.

USA

The USA is one of the biggest markets for Bollywood films outside India. Bollywood films have been popular among the Indian diaspora in the USA for decades, but they have also gained recognition among mainstream American audiences in recent years. Bollywood films have been screened at prestigious film festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, and Cannes. Some Bollywood films have also been nominated for or won international awards, such as Lagaan (Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film), Slumdog Millionaire (eight Oscars including Best Picture), and Life of Pi (four Oscars including Best Director). Bollywood films have also inspired some Hollywood remakes, such as Delivery Man (based on Vicky Donor), A Common Man (based on A Wednesday), and The Next Three Days (based on Aitraaz).

Australia

Australia is another country where Bollywood films have found a loyal audience. Bollywood films are regularly screened at major cinema chains and film festivals across Australia. Bollywood stars such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anil Kapoor, and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja have visited Australia to promote their films or attend events. Bollywood films have also showcased the beauty and diversity of Australia, such as Salaam Namaste, Singh Is Kinng, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Dil Chahta Hai, and Chak De! India. Bollywood films have also contributed to the tourism and cultural exchange between India and Australia.

Canada

Canada is home to a large and vibrant Indian community that loves Bollywood films. Bollywood films are widely available in Canada through various platforms such as theatres, streaming services, cable channels, and DVDs. Bollywood stars such as Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Alia Bhatt have visited Canada to promote their films or attend events. Bollywood films have also featured Canadian locations such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Niagara Falls. Some examples are Thank You, Dr. Cabbie, Breakaway (Speedy Singhs), Hum Tum Aur Ghost, and Kismat Konnection.

European Countries

Bollywood films have also made their mark in various European countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Poland. Bollywood films are popular among both Indian and non-Indian audiences in Europe. Bollywood films are often screened at major cinema chains and film festivals across Europe. Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Prabhas, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Katrina Kaif have a huge fan following in Europe. Bollywood films have also showcased the scenic and historic locations of Europe, such as London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Zurich, and Warsaw. Some examples are Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), Veer-Zaara (VZ), Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ), Queen (Q), Tamasha (T), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM), Befikre (B), Jab Harry Met Sejal (JHMS), and Padmaavat.

These are just some of the examples of how Bollywood has connected many countries to India culturally. Bollywood films have not only entertained millions of people around the world but also introduced them to India’s diverse and vibrant culture. Bollywood is truly a global ambassador of India’s soft power.

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