Bollywooding

Header by: Joseph Liu

I grew up on this stuff. I belt these lyrics so loud, my presence is known at all Indian weddings. I remember the movies that house these songs in the same way I remember how to dot my i’s and ride a bike. Songs used in Hindi films are informally known as Bollywood music. They exist as the most prevalent motif of Indian cinema, correlating to its popular culture context. Bollywood, clearly derived from Hollywood, exists in a realm of the perfect mix of entertainment. Sitars, dhols, and bells are key instruments that make Bollywood music universally recognizable. The intimate and intricate dance routines that match the beat of every drum beat. Bhangra and Garba originated from the state my family is from, Gujarat. It is sweet, solid ancestral pride. Lyrics are drawn heavily from Urdu and Punjabi poetry, that are sounds of the very culture they are derived from. It’s so melodic in a way that nothing else can be, as deep as the heavily brewed Chai we drink in the morning. As distinct as the peacocks that roam the unpaved roads. I grew up on this stuff. It serves as the basis of all my musical knowledge. It feels like the calming embrace of my grandmother, telling me to listen. I hope you listen, and I hope you feel.