Udantya Issue # 5 by Udantya *

THE BOLLYWOOD ISSUE

Welcome to the fifth issue of Udantya! ________________________________

This month on Udantya, we celebrate the vibrant energy of Bollywood and the Indian Film Industry! __________________________ Backstage Pass The Essence of Udantya Megaphone A Word from the Editors Spotlight Bollywood Bonanza Darkroom Behind the Scenes Armchair Critic Masala Chaat Jam Session Indian Films 101 ©Namita Azad

Poetic Justice Beat Box Cameo Rajinikanth - The ‘Superstar’ FAQ

BACKSTAGE PASS The very essence of artistic expression is that, it is captured in many different ways.

A picture, a word or a tune. Your rebellion, your journey and your destination. Here, we aim to capture it all. Join us or explore with us. Welcome to Udantya. Welcome to our creative space!

Udantya aims to be a collaborative effort. If you have any articles, photos or music you would like to share, please email us at udantya@gmail.com. Future themed issues will be announced a month in advance.

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MEGAPHONE

From the Editors

It’s time for Udantya’s summer issue and we hope it is a blockbuster! This month we celebrate the spirit of Bollywood* and the Indian film industry! This month’s ‘Spotlight’ is a unique visual and written piece. We highlight the most universally recognizable aspect of Bollywood- dance! Namita Azad and Muffadal Soni choreograph a wonderful Bollywood flashmob on the streets of Madison, Wisconsin! What a way to celebrate the American National Dance Day! ‘Darkroom’ features the work that went into making the Bollywood flashmob a success. We showcase photographs from the choreography and practice sessions, as well as glimpses from the day of the event. In ‘Armchair Critic’ this month, Namita introduces three books that highlight various aspects of Bollywood- ‘Maximum City - Bombay Lost and Found’, a book that explores the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and the seedy underbelly of the film industry; the life of renowned music director A.R. Rahman, and the unprecedented rise to stardom of Shah Rukh Khan.

In 'Jam Session', Aparna writes an introduction to the Indian film industry for the uninitiated and ventures into verse with ‘Bollywood State of Mind’. We also showcase a journey through the past five decades of music, with six of Namita and Aparna’s favorite compositions from each era. Our 'Cameo' appearance this month is Karthik Narasimhan, who returns with a look at the Tamil language film industry and in particular, the phenomenon that is Rajnikanth. We hope you enjoy the exploration of all that is Bollywood and Indian film! *** We would also like to share with you our personal perspectives and the motivations behind this issue :)

___________________________________ Movie posters used in this month's banner are courtesy Yash Raj Films (www.yashrajfilms.com)

trip back to the homeland. For me however, it is the truest form of entertainment. For two and a half hours, my mind is transported into a world of idealism where good always triumphs over evil, emotions are portrayed through colorful dance sequences and stories are decorated with glamorous visuals.

Namita Azad

A Bollywood film gives me the chance to escape reality and at the same time gives me a glimpse of changing India. I’ve often heard my parents’ generation remark how Bollywood is becoming influenced heavily by western cinema, Hollywood for lack of a better word. For me though, this change in cinematic style is simply a reflection of the new face of India-the youth. I understand this change rooted to the fact that Bollywood now dwells in homes all across the world. It is not unusual for a non-Indian to have watched a Bollywood movie and have enjoyed it thoroughly as well! This is part of my motivation to explore Bollywood through Udantya. ***

The word Bollywood is a term that ten years ago would not have made any difference to me. However, today, it is a term that resonates very closely to my existence. Most Indians living outside of India would probably state that Hindi films provide them with a quick

with the children around me, a shared experience we could all relate to.

Aparna Vidyasagar

I grew up during the ‘MTV Age’ in India, when cable TV and Rupert Murdoch arrived, bringing R&B, pop and rock. All through my childhood, Hindi films and songs were largely in the background. Aerosmith’s ‘Pink’ and the Backstreet Boys remind me of high-school more than anything else! However when I came to the States for college, songs from Hindi movies were the most accessible representatives of home. Despite my newfound love for Hindi music, I didn't quite gravitate towards the films with the same enthusiasm.

I have one distinct early memory of Bollywood. We moved to India from Canada in 1989 and I spoke neither the national language- Hindi nor the language of my state- Kannada, and to top it all off I had a strange accent! Plain and simple, I stood out. But then, I watched the sleeper hit of that year, ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ (‘I have loved’); I enjoyed it immensely and I even attempted to learn the songs! All of a sudden, I found common ground

Over the past five years or so, I have begun to relate to Hindi films from the point of view of a cinephile. While these mainstream films are still Indian at their core, they resonate with me at levels other than pure entertainment. I enjoy the creative experiments of the film-makers and the unique stories that are told. I have also discovered Hindi and other Indian language films with the same sensibilities from decades past. My motivation is to share these unique cinematic perspectives that deviate from the popular perception of Bollywood. *** * Some of you might be wondering what Bollywood is. Most obviously, the name is a play on the word “Hollywood” replacing the ‘H’ with ‘B’ for Bombay, the home of the Hindi film industry. Most often the word is misused as a catch-all term to represent the Indian film industry. This is a grievous error. The Indian film industry is as diverse as the country itself with each state and language being represented. The Indian film industry produces almost a thousand films annually. In this issue we touch upon both the Hindi language film industry and the Tamil film industry.

SPOTLIGHT

of hope for the common man, stories of love and family, and stories that challenge thought and society. And, because of the music of films.

Bollywood Bonanza

*** ___

India: The Land of a 1000 Films The Indian film industry is as diverse as the country itself and most languages are represented. The Hindi film industry (Bollywood) reigns supreme in the Northern part of the country, with the states of West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh following suit. In South India, each state is a heavy weight when it comes to making films. The two States of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu trail closely behind Bollywood in terms of revenue and the number of films made per year. Kerala is known for making artistic, thought provoking and socially conscious films. According to Wikipedia (you’ve got to love the internet!), the Indian film industry churns out about a 1000 films each year. If you’re multilingual, as most Indians are, you are likely to never be out of choices!

A long of song and dance about...well, a lot of song and dance! The word Bollywood evokes images of color, vibrant energy, music and lots of dancing; even for those with just the faintest idea of what Bollywood is. Historically, music has been an integral part of the Indian cinematic experience. A song and a dance to go along with it, is essential to the effective telling of a film’s story. A song can capture in lyric what dialogue cannot. A song and a cabaret dance can lead us to the villain’s lairthe venue of the hero’s sting operation. A love story unfolds through a song sequence. And sometimes, a song and dance sequence is just a short break in a long film.

Bollywood may be the linguistic cousin of Hollywood, (the B is for Bombay) but culturally, Bollywood and Hollywood could not be more disparate! Hindi films embed themselves into the nation’s collective consciousness in a way that I personally haven’t seen in any other culture.

While the musical genre of the West is restricted to the stage and an odd film or two, Indians have never let it go. A film may fail but its music will be remembered. A song can capture the soul of a generation or be the love song for many. And if a choreographer is creative enough, the dance steps will mirrored by young and old alike at weddings and celebrations throughout the country.

My opinion is that the reason for this is a little bit of each of the following. The stories that are told- stories

***

This month, we at Udantya decided to capture this spirit of Bollywood through our own song and dance production- a flashmob! Namita Azad and Muffadal (Muffi) Soni choreographed the dance moves for ‘Ainvayi Ainvayi’ a wedding song from the popular Bollywood film, ‘Band Baaja Baraat’ (‘The music of the groom’s procession’). The song is energetic and celebratory, true to form of classic Bollywood and the song did indeed capture the nation! You will see the signature move from the song incorporated by our very own choreographers making it a breeze for little Tia (our littlest flashmobber) to jump right in! To top it all off, July 30th, the day we taped the flashmob, was the second annual National Dance Day in the United States. The resolution was passed last year in Congress, to declare a national day of dance to promote health and wellness.

Muffadal (Muffi), Namita and the gang performing the 'Ainvayi Ainvayi' signature move.

___

____ So, let’s celebrate, health, wellness and a lot of joyBOLLYWOOD STYLE! ~Aparna

And here is an exclusive sneak peek behind the scenes. Our very own 'Flashmob Flashback'! vimeo.com/28691554

vimeo.com/28692020

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DARKROOM

Behind the Scenes vimeo.com/28692020

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THE ARMCHAIR CRITIC

Masala Chaat

Attempts have been made time and time again to capture the growing popularity of the Indian film industry. Books, articles, documentaries and many other modes have been utilized to understand the reach of Bollywood and the other thriving movie industries in India. This month’s Armchair Critic looks at three noteworthy books that have been published that will give readers a better understanding on the Indian film industry. The first of these three is a treatise on city of Mumbai, India- ‘Maximum City; Bombay Lost and Found’, written by Suketu Mehta. Mumbai is home to the Hindi film industry and this book provides an in depth understanding of the dynamics of this complex city. The second novel is a biography of the musical genius, A.R. Rahman. It gives readers the opportunity to understand his musical personality and personal history. The last of the three is also a biography of the ‘King of Bollywood’, Shah Rukh Khan and his journey over the last two decades in Bollywood. *** Pulitzer prize finalist, ‘Maximum City; Bombay Lost and Found’, tells the many stories of one of India’s largest cities, Mumbai. Author Suketu Mehta left India in 1977 when the city was called by its Anglicised name, Bombay. When he returns, he comes to the re-christened city of Mumbai where much more than just its name has changed. He travels through the different spheres of society that thrive in the various parts of the city; comes face to face with the political heavy-weights of the state; the diverse religious beliefs of the city; and takes a peek at the thriving Mumbai underworld.

When Mehta left India, it was a poor third world country and Mumbai a city of many slums. Upon his return Mehta witnesses the change to a city of multiple socio-economic layers, culture, religion and occupations. India has now become a land of booming opportunities. Through the different chapters of the book, Mehta’s experiences are diverse. He sits in on police interrogations, befriends a dancing girl, visits the red light district, attends glamorous parties of millionaires, ventures into the world of Bollywood and assists with a film script, comes face to face with the stars of tinsel town and has an interesting encounter with a transvestite dancer. With each experience, he listens, he questions and he investigates. This first hand account of the different faces of Mumbai is unique and I would recommend it to local Mumbaikar as well as to anyone who has never visited the city of Mumbai! *** The backbone of Indian films has always been a strong soundtrack. This has given birth to numerous musical maestros in the past decades. Today the world recognizes one name in particular- A.R. Rahman. A four-time Indian National Award winner, two-time Academy Award winner and Grammy Award winner, Rahman has taken the musical world by storm with each composition, and language holds no boundaries Many books and articles have been published on his work and journey to becoming a musical genius and I would like to share one in particular. ‘A.R. Rahman: The Spirit of Music’ was published in April of 2011. This memoir is styled as a conversation between the author, Nasreen Munni Kabir and Rahman. Together they walk through his early years and the troubles faced by his family upon his father’s death. This resulted in the greatest hardship for the family and lead to the change in their religion from Hinduism to Sufism. Rahman talks about how his Sufi religious practices have created a source of inspiration for the kind of music he makes. The book also highlights his relationship with film director, Mani Ratnam*, who gave Rahman his first opportunity which also proved to be the major turning point in his career. The book delves deeper as the author attempts to understand Rahman’s musical influences and eclectic sources of inspiration. The book provide readers with possibly the closest encounter to such a famously introverted personality. It is a great read! *Mani Ratnam is a prolific Indian film maker, screenplay writer, producer and winner of many national and international film awards. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mani_Ratnam

*** The next book in my set of recommendations is a biography of the ‘King of Bollywood- Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema’ written by Anupama Chopra. Through the last two decades in Bollywood one name has prevailed- Shah Rukh Khan. The book begins when the ‘Bollywood Dream’ began for Khan as he struggled through the personal tragedies of his life, the death of his parents. The book recounts his arrival in Bombay, his struggles as an aspiring actor due to no acting lineage support and his journey from television to the silver screen as a romantic hero. The book aims to understand the iconic status of Khan, being a Muslim superstar, married to a Hindu wife- a representation of religious harmony in India; his ‘zero to hero’ life-story which is source of inspiration for a multitude of new-comers in the film industry as well as his infectious enthusiasm for cinema and growth with every film, that keeps his legacy growing. The memoir is set against the backdrop of the ‘seductive’ world of Bollywood and looks at two of Khan’s biggest films, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge* and Devdas** in an attempt to understand the workings of the film industry. Shah Rukh Khan is no longer listed as just another actor who contributes to the flourishing work of the Bollywood industry but has instead launched what is today known as ‘Brand SRK’. Anupama Chopra does complete justice to the legacy of the ‘Badshah*** of Bollywood’ and I would recommend this book to all the Shah Rukh Khan and Bollywood fans out there! ~Namita *** Masala Chaat is a spicy north Indian dish with a sprinkling of everything! *Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge - A Hindi film produced and directed by Yash Raj Films released in 1995 which was a turning point in Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography. **Devdas - Based on the novel Devdas written by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, this movie has been made thrice in Bollywood. The one starring Shah Rukh Khan was released in 2002 and was directed by prolific film maker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Devdas is considered one of Khan’s best works till date. ***Badshah - A superlative royal title.

JAM SESSION

Indian Cinema 101

Aparna breaks down Indian cinema for the Indiacurious cine-phile and also recommends a few films to get you started! Somewhere along the way I have turned into a bit of a film buff, watching films from different countries and periods in time. I’ve noticed that while certain films give the viewer an idea of the quirks and intricacies of their native culture most films focus on telling a good story. Human emotions, relationships and struggles have no cultural boundaries. It is my opinion that the language of films is storytelling, and that, is universal. I have had a few conversations with people and I find that some are daunted by Indian cinema. Mainstream Indian films are larger than life, musical and colorful. But strip away the accouterments and what you have is a story that most can relate to. Indian cinema isn’t all just singing and dancing and celebration. There is a genre of Indian cinema that once was labelled as ‘parallel cinema’ (parallel to the mainstream). These films took on social issues or were mind bending. They were artistic, experimental and challenged their audiences. In the past decade or even in the past five years such films have begun to merge with the mainstream. Parallel cinema is now being labelled as cinema for the ‘urban’ audiences- westernized, English-

speaking, urbane and with a world view. However, India doesn’t yet have a unified version of the films that it produces; it is still “Bollywood” (as an adjective) and everything else. And so, audiences looking to initiate themselves to Indian cinema have much to choose from. The films that India produces are as diverse as the country itself, with many different languages and artistic styles! I am not complaining though; I enjoy all equally! Before I delve into my film recommendations, I have a few bits of film trivia. If you think you are completely uninitiated to Indian films or talent, I have good news! Chances are, you have already had a brush with both. Most recently, A.R. Rahman, one of India’s leading music directors made his mark with the soundtrack of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, winning two Oscars and driving up the viewership of the Academy Awards for that year by close to a billion! But, he didn’t just disappear from Hollywood. He also scored ‘127 Hours’ starring James Franco and also ‘Couples Retreat” (a not so memorable film whose music surely fares better). And if you were ever at London’s West End or Broadway in the early 2000s, watching Andrew Llyod Webber’s ‘Bombay Dreams’, you were watching a musical extravaganza featuring Rahman’s most popular songs. Indian director, Shekar Kapur directed Cate Blanchett in her breakout role of Queen Elizabeth I in

‘Elizabeth’. Mira Nair directed Hilary Swank in ‘Amelia’, the story of the life of Amelia Earheart. And, Gurinder Chaddha introduced the world to the lovely Kiera Knightley in her delightful film, ‘Bend it like Beckham’. And last, Amrish Puri, my very favorite Hindi film villain, who like most screen villains in real life, was a kind and beloved person. Audiences will remember him at his terrifying best as Mola Ram, from ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’. *** And there you have it, Indian cinema 101! Here are a few films to get you started.

However, at the heart of the film is an ode to the city of Mumbai, with all of its quirks and contradictions. Nayak (‘The Hero’ in Bengali): This is a 1966 film from Satyajit Ray, an Indian filmmaker who influenced a generation of filmmakers in India and abroad. This is the story of a larger than life film actor who is being interviewed by a young female journalist. At the beginning of the story she is contemptuous of his life of luxury and excess, but as the two talk and the ‘hero’ reveals his life-story, both begin to introspect and reexamine their lives and notions. The film is largely psychological and is wonderful commentary on human character.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ('You will not get life back again'): This film released in July 2011 and is probably still playing at a local AMC in some of the larger US cities. It’s a tale of three friends who take a road-trip through picturesque Spain. The trip is a rite of passage for each of the three, as they make discoveries about themselves, life and love. The soundtrack is lovely and the acting relate-able. Dhobi Ghat (International Title: Mumbai Diaries): Released in January 2011, this one is streaming on Netflix at the moment. This is a beautifully haunting film set in bustling Mumbai. The film follows four main characters whose lives intersect as they pursue their individual journeys. There are twists along the way and each story is beautifully narrated, poetic and artistic.

____ ~ Aparna

and sometimes it is, quite a ride.

Poetic Justice

But then there are those moments when, all it is, is national pride. * It is the final goal for a home-sick soul.

A Bollywood State of Mind

In melody is memory; cinematic harmony.

It is moments with friends

and tickets bought.

It is history and legacy,

Afternoon films,

and there’s evolution in the art.

and permissions not sought.

As members of the audience,

we are glad to play a part.

It is when sunny days make you want to dance;

and it’s not just love but true romance!

This it is and so much more,

When all occasions have a perfect song,

a blissful state- no better kind.

and your leading man can do no wrong

And it is only when you’re in,

a Bollywood state of mind!

It is the ‘steps’ designed in your mind.

When beats resound; with eyes shut tight.

~ Aparna

____

And when mere words simply do not suffice, and to do full justice, ‘dialogues’ are right! * It is when you laugh and you cry;

80's

Beat Box

Film - Tezaab Song- Ek Do Teen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwycoX_aHmc] 70's

This month's 'Beat Box' features a musical journey through the last six decades of Bollywood with our picks for some of the most memorable songs from each era.

Film - Sholay Song- Mehbooba Mehbooba

2000's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ9VDYtPVh8] Film - Dil Chahta Hai

60's

Song- Dil Chahta Hai (Title Song) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vrPGnoXglM]

Film - Junglee Song- Yahoo!

90's Film - Mohra

http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=XDH8uzVcRds&feature=related]

Song- Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast

50's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oObEMw7I4c]

Film - Chori Chori Song- Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=oXLzfldeDcM&ob=av3e]

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CAMEO I

widely respected actor of all time in the Tamil film industry.

Rajinikanth- 'Superstar' The Tamil film industry of India is driven by the popularity of its stars. Amidst this plethora of stars, there is one actor who shines the brightest, attracting the awe and devotion of his fans and colleagues alike. RAJINIKANTH. Popularly known as ‘Superstar’, he towers over his contemporaries in the mass adulation and fan following that he commands. People wait for months for his movies to release and when it happens, it is usually bigger than Deepavali or Pongal. Young and old, men and women, Indians living abroad and villagers from the most remote corners of the state; this is one time when such distinctions lose meaning and significance. Fans offer prayers in temple, tonsure their heads and tattoo their forearms for the success of their favorite star’s movies. Simply put, they take his success very personally! Rajinikanth was born of humble roots, as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. He started his life as a bus conductor in Bangalore and moved to Chennai to become an actor. The rest as they say is history; a story that is stuff of legends. Rajinikanth is now a veteran of hundreds of movies in many Indian languages, with even an English movie to his credit. He is definitely the most loved and

The love of Tamilians for their film stars surpasses popular imagination. Drive around the capital city of Chennai (erstwhile Madras) one can see giant posters and cut outs of politicians and actors (sometimes the two categories overlap!) standing as tall as sky scrapers, dotting the skyline. Fan clubs or Rasigar Mandrams (as they are called in Tamil) of movie stars vie with the government bodies to distribute clothes and goodies for Deepavali and Pongal (Indian festivals usually serve as occasion when government dishes out generous gifts for the public ). During elections, they even align with political parties and throw their weight behind them during the campaign. The state has elected as many as four film personalities as its chief minister and many more as lawmakers- possibly the maximum by any state in the country. Far reaching is the influence of actors that many name their children ‘Surya’, ‘Jyothika’, ‘Simran’ and ‘Khushboo’, after their favourite matinee idols! The people of the Northern states in India love their movies too, but their love for movie stars can hardly match the madness and sheer ritualistic devotion of the South. I wanted to understand the reason for this extreme manifestation. Is there a social reason for it? Is there something special about these movies? I decided to get to the bottom of this by using Rajinikanth as an example.

As a Tamilian who grew up in Chennai and hence has forever been directly or indirectly influenced by the aura of the Rajini (short for Rajinikanth) cult, I would hardly qualify as an objective inquisitor. Hence, I decided to seek the opinions of two people with very contrasting backgrounds. Aravind Arunachalam is the quintessential Rajini fan. Born and raised in Chennai, he is a self proclaimed devotee of Raijni. Having watched most of Rajini’s movies, a large portion of them on the ‘first day first show’ he is the perfect Rajini fan. On the other hand we have Gauri Parab, a Mumbaikar, who has been as far removed from all the Rajini madness as one could be. Thus, she provides an outsider’s perspective. I present to you the conversation that the three of us had on the topic of Rajinikanth. What makes him the phenomenon that he is? Did it lead me to the answers that I was hoping for? Well, let us see!

[vimeo http://http://vimeo.com/28695069] *Due to technical difficulties when shooting this video, the audio quality is not quite up to par. We advise you to use headphones when watching.

***

Glossary Deepavali- The Hindu festival lights, celebrated with much fanfare throughout the country Pongal- The harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, when one thanks the Sun God for a good produce and prays for a good year ahead. Mumbaikar- A person who hails from or is a resident of the Western Indian city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay). First day first show- The first screening of the movie after its official release in the theatres. Tamil Nadu- A state in Southern India. Literally means‘Land of the Tamils’. Tamil- Language spoken in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia.

*** Notes India is a big country with a lot of diversity. Regional cultures are distinct and often define the food, language, preferences and sensibilities. Tamil Nadu is a South Indian state where Tamil, an ancient classical language is the most widely spoken language. Maharashtra is a Western Indian state, with a very rich culture. It has produced many a freedom fighter and more importantly, it is the state Bollywood calls home!

FAQ We’ve had a few questions over the past few months, so we thought it would be a good idea to chart out our very own FAQ page. Do you have specific requirements to submit to Udantya? Absolutely not! We love it all; the quirky, the unexpected and the conventional. Share your ideas with us. We want to highlight creativity and artistic expression in all forms.

Can I send you stuff even if it doesn’t fit a theme? Yes, of course! We will try to find a place for it. You may even give us ideas for more themes! Might I make a suggestion? Yes! Questions, comments, suggestions and ideas are all welcome. Just email us at udantya@gmail.com

Since we are a web-magazine, we have not yet felt the need to set any page limits or length restrictions. If that changes, we will let you know! How much time do I get to submit a piece? We usually announce the following month’s theme when we release an issue. Our rough editing scheme is as follows. (When you email us to contribute to a particular issue, you will get a set dates for that month). -We usually ask for a short summary of your idea for the intended piece by the end of the first week of the month. -The first draft follows roughly a week to ten days later. You can submit a first draft even if you didn’t tell us your overall summary. Partial drafts are also accepted, so that we get an idea of the direction of your piece. -We like to work closely with you and reserve a week thereafter to finalize a draft. Our goal is to facilitate your vision for your piece and we view this portion of the process as a team effort.