Bollywood has a mix of all - masala films, songs, dances or even serious cinema. Starting with Dadasaheb Phalke, it has come a long way and its presentation ha become more global.

 

Typical commercial Bollywood films are very colourful, be it Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas or even David Dhawan’s films. The locations chosen for these have always been very exotic and the distinctive styles change with every decade.

 

While earlier this distinctive style was domestic and strived to showcase its Indian-ness, nowadays, it has become very international, appealing extensively to Indians settled abroad and foreigners alike. The typical tearjerker stories have given way, to a large extent, to contemporary issues. That is why films like Dostana, New York, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna have done extremely well even abroad. Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Na Pyar Hai, in fact, created such an appeal, that it was dubbed in Spanish for the Spanish speaking audience of South America.

 

This change is being accepted and in some cases, even demanded, on the domestic front. Where, merely a decade ago, films like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge were madly accepted and Rajshri productions bagged box office success every time with their family dramas, today multiplex audiences are enjoying films with gay themes or even those dealing with marital infidelity and extra marital affairs.

 

Further, while the standard Bollywood love story has been an assured success formula, the audience is now becoming more receptive towards action, comedy and serious cinema.

 

It is difficult to say if Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan have made Bollywood famous or vice versa. Whatever be the reason, Bollywood is recognised worldwide and millions of people dream and struggle to be a part of this huge industry.