GrowlersWorld - Bollywood Showcase

Bollywood films are some of the most innovative and entertaining films around! I explore some of my favourite things about the genre.

Special thanks to good friends, Manorma, Suhal and Naz for introducing me to this scene.

Looking for something different to watch at home or in your local cinema?

Bollywood movies!

With decades of history behind them these films are a complete package of good story, great music, songs, stunning dance routines and often featuring breathtakingly scenic landscapes.

The majority of these films have running times of about three hours and they have an interlude break in the middle.

Click here to check out The Essential Guide to Bollywood by Amitabh Bachchan

These interludes nearly always end on a cliffhanger to keep you on the edge of your seats until the second half of the movie.

The main base for Bollywood movies is Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) in India and most of them are spoken in the Hindi language with easy to follow English subtitles on the screen.

The first Bollywood movie I ever saw on the big screen was Asoka (pronounced Ashoka).

Click here to check out the Asoka DVD!

This was a big budget, historical piece adapted from a true story.

Based in ancient India about a great Emperor who conquered all of India and on his last battle, repented his war-like ways and became a Buddhist monk.

O Re Kanchi sung by Kareena Kapoor from the movie Asoka

Directed by Santosh Sivan it stars two of Bollywood's biggest stars, actor Shah Rukh Khan and the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor (see picture above) who is now my favourite Bollywood actress!

The historical costumes worn looked fantastic, full of vibrant colours and the song and dance numbers were beautifully extravagant and expertly choreographed.

Another film in a historical setting is Lagaan, which is wonderfully set around a game a cricket and is a real feel good movie.

Click here to check out the Lagaan DVD!

It starred actor Aamir Khan and was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

Set in India during the Victorian era it was about one man’s quest to overcome impossible odds and triumph in adversity.

A different film to check out is the modern day triumph that is the visually stunning Devdas.

Click here to check out the Devdas DVD!

A remake of a 1955 black and white classic, which starred Dilip Kumar and Suchitra Sen and was then directed by Bimal Roy.

Aishwarya Rai Bollywood beauty Miss India

Devdas is based on an old Bengali folk tale.

This is a tragedy in the same mould as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and will put you through an emotional roller coaster.

San Sanana sung by Kareena Kapoor from the movie Asoka

The new version boasts fantastic set locations and the colours of the traditional costumes worn on the screen will blow you away with their intensity.

Starring Shah Rukh Khan and former Miss World, the stunning actress Aishwarya Rai.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed this masterpiece.

I also had the pleasure of watching Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon

Click here to check out the Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon DVD!

Kareena Kapoor Bollywood beauty superstar

This is a great romantic comedy with a fantastic twist!

Starring Kareena Kapoor as Sanjana, and actors Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan (who is the son of legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan) this is very enjoyable to watch and very satisfying.

The musical numbers are top notch and the settings are a feast for the eyes.

Directed by Sooraj R Barjatya, this is well worth a look.

I also saw Monsoon Wedding which is a very good modern family tale. Full of drama and heart pulling performances.

Click here to check out the Monsoon Wedding [DVD]

So there you are. These are some of the recent classics and there are many more out there and widely available.

I'm looking out for Don, Omkara and Yuva, all starring Kareena Kapoor!

Another actress, Shilpa Shetty, has many films that have had a wide acclaim and I intend to check them out.

So there you go. I hope that I've piqued your curiosity to go and check out a Bollywood flick.

Click here to check out Bollywood: A History by Mihir Bose

To learn more, check out Bollywhat?!>

Check out what's happening in India with the lifestyle and entertainment site, Sify>

Indian actress Kareena Kapoor has been making quality movies for over eight years.

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Bollywood. Here's a recent interview with my favourite actress from the scene, Kareena Kapoor.

Anyone who works hard to achieve their dreams and aims to do great work inspires me.