|
A
history of Bollywood in UK |
 |
Avtar
Panesar, the head of Yashraj Films, UK, has very closely
witnessed the rise of Bollywood in UK. In this three part interview with
the NRIfm editor Vijay Rana, Panesar tells the story of the
rise of Bollywood in UK. |
|
Early
Days:
Though a few Bollywood films were shown in the UK in the
sixties, regular cinemas opened in Southall in the seventies.
Going to cinema was a big family occasion and was followed by spicy
Indian meals in the Southall dhabas. But in the eighties the arrival
of VCR killed the cinema in UK
To listen click
here (English) |
|
Cinema
arrives again:
Then three films - Qayamat Se
Qayamat Tak (1988), Chandani (1989) and Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) -
dramatically changed the scene. Late
night Bollywood shows returned at the Odeon Marble Arch. Later Bell
View cinema opened in Edgeware. Independent theatres mushroomed in
many predominantly Asian towns. By the mid-nineties multiplexes like
Cineworld and UCI began regular Bollywood shows. Asian audiences
began to arrive in theatres in large numbers.
To listen click
here (English) |
|
Passion
for romance, melody and Yashraj Films
British Asians had little
interest in the action films, they liked on-screen romance, melodious
music and a fair mix to NRI life and swadesh. Yash Chopra captured
the mood and his Dil
Wale Dulhnia le Jayange (1995), with a collection of £1.7 m, became
one of the highest grossing films ever in the overseas market. Dil
To Pagal Hai (1997) album sold more than 4 million copies and Veer Zara
became another big hit. Avtar Panesar tells the story of Yashraj films
in the UK.
To listen click
here (English) |
|
|
Important
Announcement |
|
Do you have any
information or interesting memories about Bollywood in UK
Write to us and we
will broadcast your story about Bollywood in UK at the NRIfm
Click Here to email us
|
|
