Bollywood – The Diplomat

Bollywood’s Role in Hindutva’s 2024 Election Strategy

Basit Parray and Nuzhat Khan — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 01:46:00 +0900

An increasing number of politically-motivated films are mobilizing Indian voters, especially the youth, toward voting for the BJP.

Move Over Bollywood, Here Comes Tollywood

Jack Coyle — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 15:36:00 +0900

One of India’s biggest hits ever, the movie 'RRR' is climbing US box office charts and storming Netflix too, signaling a breakthrough for the Telugu film industry.

How Bollywood Discriminates Against Playback Singers

StoriesAsia — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:54:00 +0900

Bollywood’s playback singing industry is brutal for upstarts and newcomers.

A Goodbye to Bollywood’s Irrfan Khan: A Master Actor That Was Not a Showman

Krzysztof Iwanek — Mon, 04 May 2020 20:50:00 +0900

Irrfan Khan was extraordinary precisely because he managed to stay ordinary.

Cricket Captain, Bollywood Star Send Virus Message to India

Associated Press — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:47:00 +0900

"Show your unity, save lives and your country,” India cricket captain Virat Kohli and his Bollywood actress wife Anushka Sharma urged Indian citizens.

The 2010s: Reflecting on a Decade of Change in Bollywood

Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:54:00 +0900

From digital streaming to the #MeToo movement, the last 10 years have left their mark on India’s film industry.

Bollywood and India’s Evolving Representation of Kashmir

Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 22:42:00 +0900

Bollywood depictions of Kashmir intersect with both popular opinion and the government’s foreign policy outlook.

Is Avengers: Endgame a Masala Movie?

Krzysztof Iwanek — Wed, 01 May 2019 22:55:00 +0900

A formula made up of mixed genres that is sometimes viewed by outsiders as awkward in Indian movies works fine for Marvel.

India’s Problem With Women

Tej Parikh — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 01:07:00 +0900

As tradition and modernity collide, India is the world's most dangerous place for women.

Singer Ash King on Music’s Pull and Purpose

Avinash Giri and Vishal Arora, from StoriesAsia — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 19:46:00 +0900

The Bollywood film singer talks about music, life, and his journey from the UK to India.

Pakistan’s Cinematic Revolution in the Making

Turyal Azam Khan — Wed, 02 May 2018 22:21:00 +0900

Cake and Motorcycle Girl signal a new, refreshing direction for Pakistani cinema

India’s Padmaavat: An Ode to Conservatism and Moral Victories

Krzysztof Iwanek — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 23:01:00 +0900

Both the movie and the controversy around it show how we judge things and people we do not know.

India’s Stars Go From Bollywood to Ballot Box

Neeta Lal — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 23:20:00 +0900

What happens when Indian movie stars enter politics?

Is India’s Bāhubali: The Conclusion a New Beginning?

Krzysztof Iwanek — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 22:54:00 +0900

It may not be a global watershed for Indian films, but the movie broke regional divides.

The Distortion of a Distortion: India’s Padmavati Movie Controversy

Krzysztof Iwanek — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 22:56:00 +0900

Radicals are protecting a queen they have never seen and attacking a movie they have not yet seen.

India Has a Problem With Revering Mythical Women

Priyanka Borpujari — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:46:00 +0900

A recent controversy over a Bollywood film highlights why revering mythical women can accentuate existing gender inequities in India.

A Bollywood Take on Storytelling in Journalism

Vishal Arora — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 17:02:00 +0900

Why have visual news media not adopted what could be called “cinematic journalism"?

Why Did This Russian Woman Contest an Indian Beauty Pageant?

Vishal Arora — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 10:07:00 +0900

Elena Tuteja, a finalist in the Mrs India Earth 2017 contest, wants women to follow their dreams.

Bollywood Meets Nepali Nationalism

Peter Gill — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 03:55:00 +0900

In Kathmandu, a fan club has drawn critique for idolizing an Indian actor. Why?

Bollywood Conquers China? Not Quite

Aswin Mannepalli — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 03:48:00 +0900

Did the Bollywood hit Dangal really take China by storm?

What’s It Like to Be a Woman in Bollywood?

Vishal Arora — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:06:00 +0900

Shreya Narayan shares her experience as a Bollywood actress and what she see would like to see change.

Meet India's New Patriots and Nationalists, From Bollywood and Business

Anuradha Sharma — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 11:27:00 +0900

"Nation comes first." A new euphemistic refrain emerges in India.

5 Ways India Can Become a Soft Power Superpower

Akhilesh Pillalamarri — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 09:09:00 +0900

How can India work its way up global soft power rankings?

Artur Żurawski, the Polish Sultan of Indian Cinema

Krzysztof Iwanek — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 09:20:00 +0900

A Polish director of photography is establishing himself in Bollywood.

Bollywood: The Independent Women of Zoya Akhtar

Deepti Singh Apte — Fri, 06 May 2016 02:05:00 +0900

Director Zoya Akhtar is leaving her mark on Bollywood, with fresh new portrayals of female characters.

Hollywood Movies Attack the Indian Market

Krzysztof Iwanek — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 20:52:00 +0900

Hollywood movies are increasingly popular among Indian audiences.

Manjhi: The Broken Mountains and the Mountains to Break

Krzysztof Iwanek — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:21:00 +0900

Manjhi – The Mountain Man tells a grim but inspiring story of both Indian neglect and resolve.

Kracowood: Bollywood’s New-Found Love Affair With Poland

Krzysztof Iwanek — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:13:00 +0900

Poland is becoming increasingly popular with India’s film and advertising industries.

India’s Soft Power Potential

Sudha Ramachandran — Fri, 29 May 2015 15:15:00 +0900

The country has plenty, but it will need a more strategic approach to harness it.

Selling “Brand India” in Vietnam

Sadhavi Chauhan — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 22:40:00 +0900

In recent engagement with Vietnam, India has demonstrated its soft power capabilities.

Adil Zainulbhai

Justin McDonnell — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 09:03:00 +0900

The Diplomat's Justin McDonnell spoke with McKinsey & Company’s Adil Zainulbhai, about the firm’s new publication Reimagining India: Unlocking the Potential of Asia’s Next Superstar.

Bollywood Stars Condemn Supreme Court’s Gay Sex Ban

J.T. Quigley — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:31:00 +0900

Indian celebrities rally behind the LGBT community after last week’s controversial ruling.

Ram Leela: Delhi Court OKs Controversial Film After Name Change

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:14:11 +0900

The original title of Bollywood’s Romeo and Juliet offended some Hindus.

Busan International Film Festival: Exploring Asia’s Cinematic Fringe

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 09:47:16 +0900

Asia’s largest film festival continues to grow, with an eye towards indie cinema.

Kill the Rapist? – Bollywood Grapples with Rape in Upcoming Film

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 09:23:39 +0900

A film aims to make “every rapist shiver with fear before even thinking of rape.”

India-ASEAN Ties Get a (Limited) Boost

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:30:32 +0900

India and ASEAN have increased ties. The question is, by how much?

Chollywood: Can Wang Jianlin’s Qingdao Vision Put Hollywood in the Shade?

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 09:25:54 +0900

China will soon be home to the world’s most expensive film studio.

Chennai Express Highlights India’s Box Office-Critical Divide

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 09:08:00 +0900

Shah Rukh Khan’s newest film is setting box office records, but has left critics unimpressed.

Bollywood’s Salman Khan Charged with Homicide, Twitter Responds

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 03:00:41 +0900

Indian actor Salman Khan has pleaded not guilty to charges of homicide.

Can Animation Save China's Film Industry?

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 20:21:14 +0900

Despite initial difficulties, animation may prove critical in internationalizing Chinese movies.

Salman Khan Faces Homicide Charges

Tue, 25 Jun 2013 02:25:47 +0900

Another of Bollywood’s biggest stars faces trial with the potential of ten years in jail.

Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri’s Third Child: It’s a Boy?

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:18:25 +0900

Shah Rukh Khan is being investigated for allegedly knowing the gender of his third baby.

Bollywood Mourns Jiah Khan’s Suicide

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:45:47 +0900

Bollywood actress Jiah Khan was discovered dead in her Mumbai apartment on Tuesday.

A Bollywood Primer: From Demigods to Disco

Mon, 27 May 2013 10:46:45 +0900

With so many choices, which Indian films are worth watching for beginners?

Asia’s Place at the 66th Cannes Film Festival

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:02:05 +0900

From celebrating Indian cinema to numerous film screenings, Asia is strong at Cannes this year.

Bollywood Cinema: Myth and Melodrama

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:07:05 +0900

On its 100th anniversary, it’s a good time to set the record straight about Bollywood’s place in Indian cinema.

Shamshad Begum: Bollywood Singing Legend Passes Away

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:21:28 +0900

This week India mourns the loss of Bollywood singing legend Shamshad Begum.

Adlabs Imagica: Bollywood Meets Disney

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:29:16 +0900

India’s first theme park opened Thursday and features a decidedly subcontinental flavor.

Sanjay Dutt to Finish Jail Term for Illegal Arms Possession

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:26:22 +0900

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt must finish his five years in jail for weapons possession linked to terror group.

Ban Lifted on Vishwaroopam Film in Tamil Nadu

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:23:00 +0900

After ten days in legal limbo, action flick Vishwaroopam has cleared censors in Tamil Nadu.

Shahrukh Khan’s Muslim Remarks Ignite Controversy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:51:00 +0900

Muslim comments from Bollywood have sparked a verbal spat between India and Pakistan.

Asian Films Dominate at Sundance

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:06:00 +0900

Four films from the Asia-Pacific took home awards from this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

South Korea: Bollywood's Future Market?

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:32:48 +0900

Brand Bollywood’s penetration of the South Korean market is an idea whose time has come.

Bollywood Observes the Passing of a Legend

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:15:00 +0900

Rajeev Sharma remarks on the death of Rajesh Khanna.

Bol Bachchan: A "Watchable Show"

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:10:37 +0900

Rajinder Dudrah gives us his take on the latest from Bollywood, “Bol Bachchan.”

Can Football Go Big in India?

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:31:45 +0900

The King of Bollywood is poised to buy a big stake in Goa club Dempo FC. Can football grab Indians’ hearts?

All in Good Time Almost There

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:45:53 +0900

New Bollywood offering All in Good Time is a sometimes touching look at working class British Asians.

The Bollywood of France

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:18:32 +0900

Bollywood’s influence isn’t hard to find in Europe. But one France-based band is taking it to a different level.

Vicky Donor – Fertile Comic Ground

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:36:58 +0900

A new Bollywood comedy mixes sharp social commentary with romantic comedy, and promising new stars.

Barah Aana and Truth

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:23:32 +0900

Ties between India and Italy may have been tense, but Barah Aana is a reminder of what collaboration can do.

Agent Vinod Returns

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:45:59 +0900

Secret agent thriller Agent Vinod has a thumping retro soundtrack. But does the film hang together?

Kahaani Hits the Target

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:56:12 +0900

New Bollywood thriller Kahaani beautifully captures the urban melodrama of modern day Kolkatta.

How Bad is Jodi Breakers?

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:03:05 +0900

When Bollywood is bad, it’s really bad. New movie Jodi Breakers is a particularly good example.

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and Love

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:09:34 +0900

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu is charming, and Imran Khan does a good job of bringing a bit of Bollywood to Las Vegas.

Agneepath – Violent Poetry

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:02:37 +0900

Agneepath is a story of revenge, and a fine directorial debut for Karan Malhotra with Dharama Productions.

India’s Lost Icons

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:08:59 +0900

Last year saw the loss of entertainment icons Shammi Kapoor and Jagjit Singh among others. They’ll be missed.

Dev Anand, You'll Be Missed

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:36:29 +0900

The death of Bollywood actor Dev Anand is yet another blow to India’s entertainment industry this year.

Raavanan and Ravana

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:53:55 +0900

Movies Ravana and Raavanan are causing a stir after a celebrity shuns the IIFA awards.

A Rajneeti Scare

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:23:14 +0900

If the film’s plot is more fact than fiction, then it could be a real-life horror story.

When an Icon Fails

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:40:08 +0900

In an ex-fan’s eyes, while one Indian superstar rises, another falls.

Bear Hugs for Asia

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:48:38 +0900

Strong Asian flavors waft into latest international film event.

Unwanted Support

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:39:08 +0900

Shah Rukh Khan’s interventions into politics are unhelpful and maybe a bit naive.

Blockbuster PR

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:05:08 +0900

The biggest deal about Shah Rukh Khan’s new movie is that it isn’t very good.

India's Mozart Hits LA

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:45:00 +0900

The biggest annual music event in the West-the Grammys-has just wrapped up in the US. And thanks to the still-reverberating success of Slumdog Millionaire, India has made its mark again on the international scene, with renowned Indian music composer

Top Actor No. 1 -Shahrukh Khan

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:03:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series ’Shahrukh Khan’ (also Shah Rukh Khan) has a rather regal ring to it-appropriate for a figure who looms so large over the Bollywood scene that his most famous nickname graces the cover of the book, King of Bollywood: Shah Ruk

Top Actor No. 2 - Aamir Khan

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:25:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series Aamir Khan is a somewhat mysterious figure on the Bollywood scene. I say that, because he doesn’t play the celebrity game the way many stars do. Take for example, the fact that he won’t attend Indian film award shows, even t

Top Actor No. 3 - Salman Khan

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:20:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series The slick, muscular torso of devoted bodybuilder Salman Khan is a familiar sight to anybody who follows the Bollywood scene, who is No. 3 on our Top Indian Actors countdown. The well-sculpted celebrity has been in the

Top Actor No. 4 - Amitabh Bachchan

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:15:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series Yesterday marked day 570 of Amitabh Bachchan’s diary-style blog, and his entry today already has over 300 comments posted to it. Some days more than 600 fans reach out to the megastar via this channel, churning out heartfel

Top Actor No. 5 - Hrithik Roshan

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:40:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series The 2000s saw a flurry of activity in Bollywood. Increased global interest led to more international releases which, combined with what was seen as an overall boost in film quality and innovation and surge in urban theatre c

Resistance is Futile. It's the Bollywood seduction

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:30:00 +0900

Having wrapped up our countdown of actresses yesterday, I’m now jumping straight into our list of Top 5 Actors in Indian Cinema. And on a more personal note, I’ve recently joined some on-line Bollywood fan groups and started following the lates

Top Actress No. 1 - Katrina Kaif

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:32:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series Who out there hasn’t tried at least once ‘googling’ their own name? Well, if Katrina Kaif has, she would only be one of thousands, perhaps millions, to have entered her name in that search box–the actress, who is No. 1 on o

Top Actress No. 2 - Priyanka Chopra

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:32:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series We’ve found Priyanka Chopra’s Twitter account – and the ‘Diplomat_APAC’ is now one of her 80,000-plus followers. Indeed, the Indian actress, who is No. 2 on our Top 5 Indian Actresses countdown, has piqued my interest enough to h

Top Actress No. 3 - Kareena Kapoor

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:38:00 +0900

India Cinema SeriesPersonally, I don’t think Kareena Kapoor’s nickname, Bebo, suits her. But my opinion doesn’t really count for much considering the Indian media and fans alike have embraced everything about Kapoor (including her moniker, which was

Top Actress No. 4 - Aishwarya Rai (Bachchan)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:10:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series The international media often refers to her as the most beautiful woman in the world, and she even has had a variety of tulip named after her in honour of her beauty. But Aishwarya Rai says: ‘All this is transient. I mean.you kno

Top Actress No. 5 - Asin

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:10:00 +0900

Indian Cinema Series As promised yesterday, here’s the first in our Indian cinema spotlight series. I’m starting off with a countdown of some of the country’s most beautiful and talented leading ladies, based on the latest buzz. Our pick for to

Spotlight: Bollywood

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:04:00 +0900

Indian Cinema SeriesThis spring, I met with Vikas Swarup, the charming Indian author and diplomat whose book Q&A hit movie Slumdog Millionaire was based on. The huge success of that film had many heads turning in India’s direction this year, but

Dalai Lama OK with Obama 'Snub'; New Tibetan Film Set for Shooting

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:26:00 +0900

Barack Obama’s decision not to personally meet the Dalai Lama at the White House this week is creating controversy, with many calling it an obvious move to pacify the Chinese government and ignore the plight of the Tibetan people. But in a