The Evolution of India's Bollywood Industry from the 1930s
By Shruthi Arun, Elana Anil, Raina Gol, and Lufei Wan
National History Challenge Year 10 2022: Harrisdale Senior High School
Social
Causes
In 1896, Auguste and Louis Lumiere brothers came to Bombay to introduce cinematography to India, it didn’t take too long for Bombay to become the centre of India’s Hindi film industry. In 1927, the British Government established the Indian Cinematograph Enquiry Committee to promote the market in India for British films over American films. It was composed of three British and three Indian men, led by T. Rangachari, a Madras lawyer.
Scientific contraception methods were not yet established, resulting in an ongoing birth boom as women were undereducated and were oblivious to the consequences of having numerous children. In the 1930s, sex education was a topic that no one even considered. In the 1960s and 1970s, vasectomy was the most popular method of contraception. As a result, the population started increasing severely from the 1940s, more people means more money to spend in the economy, so more people watch movies at theatres to popularise it.
- Ankur: one of the best Bollywood black and white films during the 1970s showcases a vibrant, colourful era of Bollywood.
Source: Scoop Whoop
- Madhuri Dixit Ghagra: recent item song released by Ghagra showcases traditional Indian dance styles and clothing.
Source: Yeh Jawaani Deewani
Consequences
Toxic stereotypes that were previously showcased towards the majority of women in India had gradually become less predominant in society. Woman nowadays are more brave, independent and have the desire to fulfil their dreams, thanks to the representation of women in Bollywood movies.
​
Toxic and unrealistic beauty standards became prevalent today's society. The Indian audience, particularly the younger generation, aspired to look like the stars on TV. For example, the ideal woman was seen as having a hairless body, poreless asking, big round eyes and light skin. Hence products like 'Fair and Lovely' skin-lightening cosmetic product of Hindustan Unilever introduced to the market in India in 1975 was advertised.
​
The recent movie Shubh Mangal Jyada Saavdhan is about two men who love each other and struggle to get acceptance in society and their families. The LGBTQ+ community is said to be unnatural by the homophobic people in society. Bollywood has long influenced Indian society and culture as the biggest entertainment industry; many of the country's musical, dancing, wedding, and fashion trends are Bollywood-inspired.
​