In a journey of a hundred years, the industry has shaped into a global cinematic powerhouse known for its distinctive blend of music, dance, emotion-charged melodrama, and larger-than-life characters
By Nazarul Islam | USA
How can we define the emergence of the Bollywood film industry that began in Bombay in 1930? It took India by a storm. In a journey of a hundred years, the industry has shaped into a global cinematic powerhouse known for its distinctive blend of music, dance, emotion-charged melodrama, and larger-than-life characters. It is a major economic and cultural force, both within and outside India. Today, this country is the world’s largest film producer by output.
Today’s mainstream Bollywood movies are “masala” films, named after the Indian spice mixture. This genre blends diverse elements like action, comedy, romance, and drama into a single, often lengthy, film with an intermission.
A defining feature of Bollywood is its elaborate and spectacular song-and-dance sequences. The music is pre-recorded by professional playback singers, and the actors lip-sync on screen. These musical segments are not merely supplementary but are vital to the narrative, often taking place in fantasy or exotic settings.
Traditional Bollywood movies often use familiar and emotionally charged plot devices, such as star-crossed lovers, family feuds, long-lost relatives, and reversals of fortune. These narratives focus on themes of love, family values, and good triumphing over evil.
The industry has long been dominated by influential film dynasties and superstars who command massive fan followings. These “A-list” stars are central to a film’s marketing and box-office success.
Bollywood films are produced in Hindi and are increasingly incorporating “Hinglish,” a mix of Hindi and English. The overall style is colorful, visually extravagant, and theatrical, drawing from traditions like ancient Sanskrit drama and folk theater.
Bollywood is a significant contributor to India’s economy, driving revenue through box-office sales, satellite and digital rights, music, and brand endorsements.
The industry has a massive international fanbase, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and among the Indian diaspora in Western countries. Global streaming services have further increased its reach.
As global and regional competition (from other Indian film industries like Telugu and Tamil cinema) increases, Bollywood has invested more in special effects and technology. The rise of digital platforms has also created new revenue streams and opportunities for experimentation with genres.
Historically, Bollywood has acted as a mirror and shaper of Indian society, exploring themes like national identity, social issues, and political change. It sets trends in fashion, language, and social behavior.
The worldwide popularity of Bollywood films has been a powerful tool for India’s “soft power,” introducing its culture, music, and values to a global audience.
The dynastic nature of Bollywood has led to criticism over nepotism, an issue amplified by the rise of social media. The industry has also had to confront issues like the #MeToo movement, prompting conversations about power structures.
Indian cinema began in the year of 1910 with silent films and grew to produce hundreds of films a year after the first “talkie,” Alam Ara, debuted in 1931.
This era was succeeded by Golden Age (1950s–1960s) and is marked by a period saw the rise of iconic stars and films addressing social and political issues.
Masala films rise to prominence in 1970. The term “Bollywood” was coined in the 1970s, coinciding with the popularization of the multi-genre “masala” film.
The decade of 1990smarked the Liberalization era. Economic liberalization led to increased production budgets, more elaborate sets, international shooting locations, and a renewed focus on family-centric romantic musicals.
Today, Bollywood’s global reach expanded significantly, attracting international investments and embracing digital platforms, leading to greater experimentation in storytelling and production.
It was the magical year 1931 that changed India for good. The country’s first sound motion film, Alam Ara, produced by Arsedhir Irani emerged out of the magic box. The film had featured seven songs. This was the moment when music in cinema had started to emerge as a theme. Over time, films like Shihreen Farhad by JF Madaan, featuring 42 songs, and Indra Sabha having 71 songs, set the stage for Bollywood music to come to the fore.
Nine decades forward, Bollywood music has seen several transformative stages, from the classic to contemporary, owing to changes in cinematography, music techniques, and influence from the West, changing society, and experimentation.
Motion pictures in India emerged in the nineteenth century. But it was not until 1931 that the first Hindi film song was released. In the beginning, Bollywood films would feature an exhaustive list of songs. But, with time, the number of songs was reduced and made to enhance the storyline and be context-appropriate.
As the years passed by, exceptional lyricists, music directors, and singers created a new genre of Bollywood music by amalgamating Indian musical culture & tradition and Western elements. It ushered in a new age of Bollywood music. Gradually, the Bollywood music industry has become a booming business. With ever-changing societal conditions and assimilating influences from lands apart, music has evolved and adapted over time.
India’s golden era of film and music
The Golden Era of Bollywood music is often regarded as a golden period in Indian cinema and music history. The melodies and lyrics from this era have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of India, and their influence can still be felt in contemporary Bollywood music.
This era is celebrated for its rich musical heritage, which continues to be cherished and celebrated by music enthusiasts worldwide.
The music of a new era blended Indian classical music, regional folk tunes, and traditional melodies with modern orchestration and arrangements. Composers like Naushad, Anil Biswas, and C. Ramachandra were masters at infusing a sense of nostalgia and cultural richness into their compositions.
Composers in the golden era efficiently incorporated classical ragas into film songs. Their mastery of classical music allowed them to create compositions that were not only entertaining but resonated with connoisseurs of classical music.
The Golden Era witnessed the rise of legendary music composers like Naushad, S.D. Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan, and O.P. Nayyar. These composers created timeless melodies that are cherished by generations. Playback singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Geeta Dutt emerged during this era and become iconic voices of Bollywood music.
The music of the Golden Era often revolved around patriotic and social themes, reflecting the spirit of the independence struggle and societal issues of the time. Songs like “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” by Lata Mangeshkar and “Door Hato Ae Duniya Walo” by Mohammad Rafi became anthems of patriotism.
The hallmark era of romance and melody in Bollywood music that began in 1960 is celebrated for its timeless compositions, emotional depth, and the musical brilliance of the composers and playback singers. The songs from this period continue to evoke nostalgia and hold a special place in the hearts of Bollywood music enthusiasts, making it one of the most beloved and cherished eras in the history of the Indian Film Industry.
Many films of this era boasted remarkable soundtracks that contributed significantly to the success of the movies. Classics like “Mera Saaya”, “Aradhana,” “Bobby,” “Kati Patang,” and “Amar Prem” are examples of films with unforgettable music.
The era saw the rise of memorable duets, where male and female playback singers collaborated on melodious and romantic songs. These duets showcased the chemistry between the on-screen couples and became immensely popular.
Many of the songs of this era continue to be remade, reimagined, and referenced in modern Bollywood films, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
Composers of this era showed their versatility by experimenting with various musical styles. While they excelled in composing romantic ballads, they also delivered foot-tapping numbers and peppy songs, making them true musical maestros.
Composers like RD Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and Kalyanji-Anandji experimented with diverse musical styles, incorporating elements of rock, disco, and funk into their compositions.
The era of disco and dance influence beginning in 1980 in Bollywood music proved to be a vibrant and dynamic period that brought a fresh and modern essence to the industry.
It showed the adaptability of Bollywood music to evolving trends and demonstrated its ability to connect with a diverse and ever-changing audience. Introduction of disco music: The disco craze of the late 1970s and early 1980s had a significant influence on Bollywood music during this era. Composers like Bappi Lahiri and Biddu introduced disco beats and rhythms into film songs, giving them a more groovy and upbeat feel.
Songs of a new era began with energetic compositions that were characterized by their peppy and high-energy compositions. The use of synthesizers, drum machines, and electronic instruments added a modern touch to the music, making it more dance-friendly.
Several Bollywood films during this era were centered on dance and featured elaborate dance sequences. Music played a pivotal role in making these dance-driven films successful.
Many songs from this era continue to be popular and relevant in contemporary Bollywood. They are often remixed or recreated, reflecting their enduring appeal among audiences.
The Modern era in Bollywood music is characterized by versatility, experimentation, and adaptability to contemporary trends. It emerged at the dawn of 21st century. The fusion of various music styles, innovative compositions, and technological advancements have made Bollywood music a global phenomenon.
It has an appeal for audiences with diverse backgrounds. As Bollywood continues to evolve, its music remains a powerful expression of Indian culture and creativity on the world stage.
The modern era witnessed significant advancements in digital technology, which revolutionized the production and distribution of music. Digital recording, editing, and distribution platforms became more accessible to musicians and composers.
The era introduced a new generation of playback singers, such as Sony Nigan Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Neha Kakkar. Their versatile voices and emotive tones gained immense popularity.
The modern era saw a rise in the popularity of item songs and remixes. These high-energy and often sensuous songs became a staple in Bollywood films and were often used for promotional purposes.
The modern era saw a trend of remakes and revivals of classic Bollywood songs. Some iconic songs from the past were reimagined and introduced to a new generation of listeners.
Bollywood music during this period embraced a wide range of themes, from romantic ballads and dance numbers to socially relevant and motivational songs. The diversity of themes reflected the changing tastes and preferences of the audience.
The era of remakes saw a resurgence of remake Bollywood songs in the year 2010. Bollywood music continued to evolve, adapting to changing technology and global influences.
Remakes became commercially successful and enjoyed widespread popularity. But, they also faced criticism for allegedly diluting the original charm of classic songs.
Song writers and music composers of this this era experimented with diverse sounds, infusing Bollywood music with elements of electronic dance music, hip-hop, and other Bollywood music genres.
Bollywood music increasingly engaged in cross-cultural collaborations, with artists from different countries and genres contributing to the industry. These collaborations expanded the global reach and appeal of Bollywood music.
The popularity of music streaming platforms like Saavn, Gaana, and Spotify reshaped the way people consume music. These platforms offered vast libraries of songs, including Bollywood classics, accessible to users worldwide.
The rise of digital streaming platforms led to the creation of web series and short films. They require original soundtracks. Bollywood musicians and independent artists contributed to the music for these digital productions.
The evolution of Bollywood music can be traced through these stages. From “Mere Dil Ke Chain” by Kishore Kumar to “Jashn-E-Bahaaraa” by A.R. Rahman, Bollywood music has amassed a huge fan following.
Through constant experimentation and style adaptation, India’s films and music will continue to evolve further, offering our world, what we enjoy as soulful music!
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The Bengal-born writer Nazarul Islam is a senior educationist based in USA. He writes for Sindh Courier and the newspapers of Bangladesh, India and America. He is author of a recently published book ‘Chasing Hope’ – a compilation of his articles.
