This book is aimed at offering an insight into different aspects of Bollywood cinema that need highlighting now and for the future as an archival collection of concepts, ideas, realities and ideologies Bollywood Cinema represents, reflects, deflects from and critiques as well.

Articles; previously published in various journals.

“Rao gives new meaning to ‘dinner and a movie’ by creating menus inspired by classic Indian films.”—Houston Chronicle Indian cuisine and Indian cinema (known as Bollywood) share much in common—bold colors and flavors with plenty of drama. But to the uninitiated, they can seem dizzying. Let Sri Rao be your guide. As one of the only Americans working in Bollywood, Sri is an expert on Indian musical films, and as an avid cook, he’s taken his mom’s authentic, home-cooked recipes and adapted them for the modern, American kitchen. In this book you’ll find dinner menus and brunch menus, menus for kids and menus for cocktail parties. Along with each healthy and easy-to-prepare meal, Sri has paired one of his favorite Bollywood movies. Every one of these films is a musical, packed with dazzling song-and-dance numbers that are the hallmark of Bollywood, beloved by millions of fans all over the world. Sri will introduce each film to you, explaining why you’ll love it, and letting you in on some juicy morsels from behind the scenes. “Rao has created more than a book of recipes. There is seldom a cookbook that voracious readers can flip through for story; this one feeds the eye and imagination. One can run their thumb and forefinger over technicolor pages featuring decadent film and food stills. The narrative also unearths the author: cheeky, perceptive, honest.”—Edible Brooklyn “Full of humor and insight, Bollywood Kitchen makes a great read, even if neither Bollywood nor cooking are your passions. A delightful read.”—News India Times

This is the first book to investigate how mental illness is portrayed in Hindi cinema. It examines attitudes towards mental illness in Indian culture, how they are reflected in Hindi films, and how culture has influenced the portrayal of the psychoses. Dinesh Bhugra guides the reader through the history of Indian cinema, covering developments from the idealism of the 1950s to the stalking, jealousy and psychopathy that characterises the films of the 1990s. Critiques of individual films demonstrate the culture’s approach towards mental illness and reflect the impact of culture on films and vice versa. Subjects covered include: Cinema and emotion Attitudes towards mental illness Socio-economic factors and cinema in India Indian personality, villainy and history Psychoanalysis in the films of the 60s. Mad Tales from Bollywood will be of interest to psychiatrists, mental health professionals, students of media and cultural studies and anyone with an interest in Indian culture.

In this book, film scholars, anthropologists, and critics discuss star-making in the contemporary Hindi-language film industry in India, also known as “Bollywood.” Drawing on theories of stardom, globalization, transnationalism, gender, and new media studies, the chapters explore contemporary Hindi film celebrity. With the rise of social media and India’s increased engagement in the global economy, Hindi film stars are forging their identities not just through their on-screen images and magazine and advertising appearances, but also through an array of media platforms, product endorsements, setting fashion trends, and involvement in social causes. Focusing on some of the best-known Indian stars since the late 1990s, the book discusses the multiplying avenues for forging a star identity, the strategies industry outsiders adopt to become stars, and the contradictions and conflicts that such star-making produces. It addresses questions such as: What traits of contemporary stars have contributed most to longevity and success in the industry? How has filmmaking technology and practice altered the nature of stardom? How has the manufacture of celebrity altered with the recent appearance of commodity culture in India and the rise of a hyper-connected global economy? By doing so, it describes a distinct moment in India and in the world in which stars and stardom are drawn more closely than ever into the vital events of global culture. Hindi films and their stars are part of the national and global entertainment circuits that are bigger and more competitive than ever. As such, this is a timely book creates opportunities for examining stardom in other industries and provides fruitful cross-cultural perspectives on star identities today. "Grounded in rigorous scholarship as well as a palpable love of Hindi cinema, this collection of 19 essays on a dizzying array of contemporary Hindi film stars makes for an informative, thought-provoking, illuminating, and most of all, a joyful read. Pushing boundaries of not only global Star Studies but also film theory as a whole, this de-colonised and de-colonising volume is a must read for film scholars, students and cinephiles!" Dr. Sunny Singh, Senior Lecturer - Creative Writing and English Literature, Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture & Design, London Metropolitan University “A wide-ranging overview of Hindi cinema’s filmi firmament today, focussing on its most intriguing and brightest-burning stars. The variety of approaches to stardom and celebrity by both established and upcoming scholars reveals a web of interconnecting stories and concerns that provide fascinating new insights into the workings of today's Hindi film industry, while shining fresh light on contemporary India and the world we live in.” Professor Rosie Thomas, Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM), College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, University of Westminster

Between 1931 and 2000, India's popular cinema steadily overcame Hollywood domination. Bollywood, the film industry centered in Mumbai, became nothing less than a global cultural juggernaut. But Bollywood is merely one part of the country's prolific, multilingual cinema. Unruly Cinema looks at the complex series of events that allowed the entire Indian film industry to defy attempts to control, reform, and refine it in the twentieth century and beyond. Rini Bhattacharya Mehta considers four aspects of Indian cinema's complicated history. She begins with the industry's surprising, market-driven triumph over imports from Hollywood and elsewhere in the 1930s. From there she explores how the nationalist social melodrama outwitted the government with its 1950s cinematic lyrical manifestoes. In the 1970s, an action cinema centered on the angry young male co-opted the voice of the oppressed. Finally, Mehta examines Indian film's discovery of the global neoliberal aesthetic that encouraged the emergence of Bollywood.

This work breaks new ground in the understanding of South Indian cinema and politics. Through incisive analysis and original concepts it illustrates the private, public and cinematic personas of MGR and Rajinikanth. It challenges the popular and scholarly myths surrounding them and shows the constant negotiation of their on-screen and off-screen identities. The book revisits the entire political history of post-Independent Tamil Nadu through its cinema,and presents a refreshing psycho-political and cultural map of contemporary South India. This absorbing volume will be an important read for scholars, teachers and students of film studies, culture and media studies, and politics, especially those interested in South India.

The largest film industry in the world after Hollywood is celebrated in this updated and expanded edition of a now classic work of reference. Covering the full range of Indian film, this new revised edition of the Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema includes vastly expanded coverage of mainstream productions from the 1970s to the 1990s and, for the first time, a comprehensive name index. Illustrated throughout, there is no comparable guide to the incredible vitality and diversity of historical and contemporary Indian film.

Hey Bollywood buffs, ever wondered what makes Bollywood tick? This second edition of "Bollywood" is your all-access pass to the glitz, glamour, and grit of India's iconic film industry. We'll kick things off by diving into how Bollywood dreams are taking over the world. From packed theaters in Mumbai to sold-out shows in New York, Bollywood's magic knows no bounds. We'll even explore how Bollywood's charm isn't just about entertainment; it's a form of soft power diplomacy that shapes how the world sees India. But it's not all song and dance. This book delves into the new wave of filmmakers who are shaking up Bollywood's classic formula. Get ready for stories that challenge stereotypes, spark conversations, and push the boundaries of what Bollywood can be. We'll also tackle the big issues, like how Bollywood is using its platform to make powerful social commentary and fight for a more inclusive and representative industry. Ever been swept away by the passion of Bollywood's fan culture? We'll take you behind the scenes of the digital age fandom, where social media, fan clubs, and online communities are transforming how audiences connect with their favorite stars and films. And let's not forget the business side of things. Bollywood isn't just about art; it's an economic powerhouse. We'll uncover the secrets of Bollywood's financial success, from box office blockbusters to merchandising empires. But what happens when Bollywood clashes with Hollywood? We'll compare and contrast these two cinematic giants, exploring their unique styles, values, and global impact. So, if you're ready to uncover the magic, meaning, and the sheer masala of Bollywood, this book is your ticket. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, this second edition is packed with fresh insights, untold stories, and a whole lot of Bollywood love. Get ready to be entertained, enlightened, and maybe even inspired to break into a dance!