From the recent release Besharam, here's Ranbir Kapoor and Pallavi Sharda in the fun song "Lut Gaye".
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
BollyWeekly (Week of October 21st)
Here's the excitement for this week:
Happy 83rd Birthday to Bollywood legend, Shammi Kapoor! This article has a nice write up about his career in film, as well as quite a few videos. Check it out.
"The Big Bang Theory"'s Kunal Nayyar is interested in doing a Bollywood film in the future. Not sure if this completely counts as "Hollywood Gone Bollywood," since Nayyar is Indian, but we'll take it. As far as we're concerned, any Western exposure to Bollywood is a good thing :)
In a reverse of our last article, Indian actress Sridevi (English Vinglish, Khuda Gawah) seems to be finding a Hollywood acting career more appealing than being a Bollywood star. Guess we'll have to wait and see. We love Sridevi and wish her all the success in the world, whether in Los Angeles or Mumbai.
Where have all the good villains gone? This article discusses the lack of good bad guys in modern Bollywood. We give the author props for mentioning Aamir Khan's upcoming role in Dhoom 3. We think he will be great. We are big Aamir fans, although not as big of fans of the guy as his daughter. Awwww.
Speaking of the Dhoom franchise, a video game version set in the Dhoom universe will be released in tandem with the premiere of the Dhoom 3 movie. Judging by the wording of the article, it seems like this game will be for mobile phones. Wonder if we can get it in America?
Oh no! Actor Akshaye Khanna has become the victim of a Ponzi Scheme after being duped into sinking a large amount of money in a fraudulent investment project. We hope that this gets resolved quickly, and that those responsible get their just desserts.
Until next week!
Happy 83rd Birthday to Bollywood legend, Shammi Kapoor! This article has a nice write up about his career in film, as well as quite a few videos. Check it out.
"The Big Bang Theory"'s Kunal Nayyar is interested in doing a Bollywood film in the future. Not sure if this completely counts as "Hollywood Gone Bollywood," since Nayyar is Indian, but we'll take it. As far as we're concerned, any Western exposure to Bollywood is a good thing :)
In a reverse of our last article, Indian actress Sridevi (English Vinglish, Khuda Gawah) seems to be finding a Hollywood acting career more appealing than being a Bollywood star. Guess we'll have to wait and see. We love Sridevi and wish her all the success in the world, whether in Los Angeles or Mumbai.
Where have all the good villains gone? This article discusses the lack of good bad guys in modern Bollywood. We give the author props for mentioning Aamir Khan's upcoming role in Dhoom 3. We think he will be great. We are big Aamir fans, although not as big of fans of the guy as his daughter. Awwww.
Speaking of the Dhoom franchise, a video game version set in the Dhoom universe will be released in tandem with the premiere of the Dhoom 3 movie. Judging by the wording of the article, it seems like this game will be for mobile phones. Wonder if we can get it in America?
Oh no! Actor Akshaye Khanna has become the victim of a Ponzi Scheme after being duped into sinking a large amount of money in a fraudulent investment project. We hope that this gets resolved quickly, and that those responsible get their just desserts.
Until next week!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
BollyWelcome: What to Watch
If you've been tracking with this series, then you've already been introduced to Bollywood cinema in four easy steps. If you missed out, here's a link to part one.
Once you know you want to watch Bollywood movies, you have to find some that you like. Just like any other art forms, some parts will appeal to you and others will not. How do you find what you like when you're searching for movies in a different language?
Either you learn Hindi (Ellie's all over it) or you find another way. I started out the hard way--I just googled for top ten lists and perused brief write ups, then tried to decide whether the movie would appeal to me based on a paragraph or two.
Let's just say it's very hit and miss. Mostly miss. As your taste develops, you will find some elements of Bollywood more gripping than others. I really love the East/West interactions of modern Bollywood. I like to see the traditional culture dealing with the outside influences. It makes me sad to see Bollywood grow Westernized at times--I love to see my films embrace their traditional ethic and be blatantly non-Western.
As such, I tend to spend more time with modern Bollywood with the slick production values and more complex storylines.
Ellie is all about classic Bollywood. Aside from the magnetism of Big B (we love you Amitabh!!), it is a completely distinct vibe. The costumes are more traditional, the stories are a bit scattered, and the energy is just as high and fun as the modern stuff, though the music tends to be more traditional.
Again, there's a really easy answer here. Check out Amazon! Not only do they have great prices on new and used DVDs and Blue-Rays, there is free Super Saver shipping on orders over $25. If you're a Prime member, it's free all the time, but I'm not. Regardless. Toss 3 or 4 in your cart and they'll be at your door in a few days.
It's a bit of a risk, especially as you're starting out, so I try to pay less than $10/DVD. As I get more comfortable with my choices and learn what actors, directors, and (most importantly) song writers I like, I'm willing to spend more.
There are other options--Eros Now runs an instant video service with an assortment of titles available for $7.99 a month. There is a 14 day free trial available. I haven't gone this route yet, but I'll be strongly considering it this winter when it's cold and miserable.
Netflix also has a lively online selection. I may be the only person in the US who doesn't currently subscribe, but the library looks fun.
We'll talk about cool local options and how to watch current releases soon!
**Also** In doing research, I ran across the soon-to-be-released "Ram-Leela" ERMERGERD!!!!!!!!!! I cannot even say how excited I am for this movie. Watch the trailer here!!
What to Watch
Once you know you want to watch Bollywood movies, you have to find some that you like. Just like any other art forms, some parts will appeal to you and others will not. How do you find what you like when you're searching for movies in a different language?
 |
| From "Cocktail" |
Let's just say it's very hit and miss. Mostly miss. As your taste develops, you will find some elements of Bollywood more gripping than others. I really love the East/West interactions of modern Bollywood. I like to see the traditional culture dealing with the outside influences. It makes me sad to see Bollywood grow Westernized at times--I love to see my films embrace their traditional ethic and be blatantly non-Western.
As such, I tend to spend more time with modern Bollywood with the slick production values and more complex storylines.
Ellie is all about classic Bollywood. Aside from the magnetism of Big B (we love you Amitabh!!), it is a completely distinct vibe. The costumes are more traditional, the stories are a bit scattered, and the energy is just as high and fun as the modern stuff, though the music tends to be more traditional.
How to Find It
Once you know what "it" is for you, there is a very simple way to find it. Really. You don't even have to learn Hindi (yet).
YouTube.
Really.
Search for something you like.
Watch music videos. Look at the recommended videos. Watch those. Find the songs you like, then purchase the whole movie. No more relying on reviews of strangers with a different set of interests and values!! It's amazing. Depending on where your interests lie, you can subscribe to different channels. A favorite of mine is YRF Songs. There are plenty of others.
Where to Buy It
 |
| Does this even need a caption? |
It's a bit of a risk, especially as you're starting out, so I try to pay less than $10/DVD. As I get more comfortable with my choices and learn what actors, directors, and (most importantly) song writers I like, I'm willing to spend more.
There are other options--Eros Now runs an instant video service with an assortment of titles available for $7.99 a month. There is a 14 day free trial available. I haven't gone this route yet, but I'll be strongly considering it this winter when it's cold and miserable.
Netflix also has a lively online selection. I may be the only person in the US who doesn't currently subscribe, but the library looks fun.
We'll talk about cool local options and how to watch current releases soon!
**Also** In doing research, I ran across the soon-to-be-released "Ram-Leela" ERMERGERD!!!!!!!!!! I cannot even say how excited I am for this movie. Watch the trailer here!!
Monday, September 30, 2013
BollyWeekly Report (Week of September 30th)
Here's the excitement for this week:
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| Hrithik Roshan in a new still from Krrish 3. How does that mask stay on? |
The Krrish 3 release date has been moved up to November 1st. A new video has been released of the song "Dil Tu Hi Bataa," which will appear in the film. Watch it here. We at Bollywest love the song, but wonder.... Hrithik, when it comes to your Krrish hairstyles, what are you thinking?
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| Ranveer Singh |
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| Irrfan Khan |
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| Rani Mukerji the 2013 GQ Men of the Year Awards |
In romance gossip, actress Pooja Bedi is totally enamored with her boyfriend, Askashdeep Saigal... and says that as far as his love for her is concerned, all the proof she needs is written on his...arm? Over a year ago, Saigal got Pooja's name tattooed on his arm. Perhaps this couple has never heard of the curse of the name tattoo? All kidding aside, we wish the happy couple the very best.
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| Pooja and "Sky" |
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| New poster for Dhoom 3 |
"I am used to people whistling at my wife... see my wife then you will know why I am saying this. I have never whistled at her to woo her... I don't think its the right thing to do. I courted her through my gesture, emotions and words."Aish remarks:
"That's why I married him."Awwww... just another example of why AB and Aish are one of our favorite Bollywood couples. Their love and respect for each other is obvious. Plus, they have a pretty adorable kid.
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| Abhishek, Aaradhya, and Aishwarya Bachchan |
Until next week!
Monday, September 23, 2013
BollyWeekly Report (Week of September 23rd)
Welcome to the first real post on BollyWest!
As part of our exploration of Bollywood culture, we thought it would be a good idea to keep tabs on what's going on in Bollywood news. Every week, we will post a list of relevant news articles and discuss everything from upcoming films and awards shows to fashion and gossip.
Here's the excitement for this week:
Hrithik Roshan (or, as he's known in my house, "that amazing dancer guy with those abs) is excited to play an all-out superhero in the upcoming film Krrish 3. Roshan comments: "He was just an ordinary boy who discovers his powers. The previous two films were family-oriented. This time, I play an out-and-out superhero. He's a superhero who has values and culture embedded in his DNA. That's what makes him different." Hear more of his thoughts on the role here. Krrish 3, who some say is Roshan's best film to date, premieres on Diwali (November 4th) this year. We here at BollyWest cannot wait for this film to come out!
Check out the trailer for Krrish 3 here.
Speaking of Hrithik, one of the biggest gossip stories in Bollywood right now involves Roshan and his wife, Suzanne. There have been reports for many years regarding Hrithik's supposed infidelity with a number of women. Is their marriage as troubled as the press would make it seem? This story, which states that the couple are still very happy together and not considering divorce, would suggest otherwise.
Bollywood's reigning queen, and BollyWest favorite, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks stunning in a new ad campaign for Kalyan Jewelers. Not that we're surprised... she is the most beautiful woman in the world, after all! Check out the images from the Kalyan Jewelers ad campaign here. Unfortunately, Bachchan is still on maternity hiatus and has not been in any new films since the birth of her adorable daughter, Aradhya Bachchan, with husband Abhishek Bachchan in 2011. Come back Aish, we miss you!
Did you know that Aamir Khan is playing a dual role in the upcoming blockbuster, Dhoom 3? This franchise is near and dear to our hearts, and we are SO excited to see the third installment! We are hoping to see this film in the theaters when it comes out this winter.... more on that later on, as we further develop our plans.
Check here and here for some more news related to Dhoom 3, and here for a teaser trailer.
Actor Saif Ali Khan, star of films like Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) and husband of Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor, is more than Bollywood royalty... as the 10th Nawab of Pataudi, he is also Indian royalty. For more information about what a Nawab is and what the title entails, check out this article here. Check out this article to find out how much Khan and his family are worth... it's insane!
Are you a football fan? If so, you might have heard Priyanka Chopra singing this year's NFL theme song, "In My City." Take a listen here.
This has been a pretty exciting week in Bollywood! Stay tuned for several new posts on the blog this week... and bear with us as we get this whole thing going!
--Ellie
As part of our exploration of Bollywood culture, we thought it would be a good idea to keep tabs on what's going on in Bollywood news. Every week, we will post a list of relevant news articles and discuss everything from upcoming films and awards shows to fashion and gossip.
Here's the excitement for this week:
Check out the trailer for Krrish 3 here.
Speaking of Hrithik, one of the biggest gossip stories in Bollywood right now involves Roshan and his wife, Suzanne. There have been reports for many years regarding Hrithik's supposed infidelity with a number of women. Is their marriage as troubled as the press would make it seem? This story, which states that the couple are still very happy together and not considering divorce, would suggest otherwise.
 |
| Hrithik and Suzanne Roshan |
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| Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in an ad campaign for Kalyan Jewelers |
Check here and here for some more news related to Dhoom 3, and here for a teaser trailer.
Actor Saif Ali Khan, star of films like Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) and husband of Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor, is more than Bollywood royalty... as the 10th Nawab of Pataudi, he is also Indian royalty. For more information about what a Nawab is and what the title entails, check out this article here. Check out this article to find out how much Khan and his family are worth... it's insane!
 |
| Saif Ali Khan |
This has been a pretty exciting week in Bollywood! Stay tuned for several new posts on the blog this week... and bear with us as we get this whole thing going!
--Ellie
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