The stunning Shilpa Shetty
Bollywood has tasted the success of the west and it looks like it might be here to stay. Stars such as Aishwarya Rai and Anil Kapoor have made a name for themselves in the Hollywood scene. And we’re beginning to see the east and west unite together. Being both a Bollywood and Hollywod fan it is clear to see how both industries influence each other in various forms.
Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai has starred in Hollywood movies ‘Bride and Prejudice’ and ‘The Pink Panther 2.’ She also played the lead role in the British movie ‘Provoked.’ In 2005 the star also became a global brand ambassador of L’Oreal alongside Andie Macdowell, Eva Longoria and Penelope Cruz. The Bollywood scarlet has even been compared to Angelina Jolie. The physical similarities between them are uncanny to the point that they've even been called potential cousins!
Actor Anil Kapoor has become well known across the seas after his role in Danny Boyle’s Academy Award-winning movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ The movie won 8 Oscars and 7 Bafta Awards. The actor has also starred in the eight season of the American television series ’24.’
Stars from Bollywood are generally becoming more known in the west. Even the ones who haven’t had an acting career in Hollywood.
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was in Celebrity Big Brother. After winning the series in 2007 the 35-year-old starred in a Bollywood movie ‘Life in A Metro’ which became the first ever Bollywood movie to premiere at Leicester Sqaure. She was also offered Hollywood movie roles. So watch this space.
Bollywood stars are also being welcomed into Madame Tussauds. Some of the celebrities include; Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood’s superstar who was the first Bollywood actor to have his wax work installed in 2000 followed by his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. And also Bollywoods equivalent to Tom Cruise Shah Rukh Khan, who is also the only Bollywood star to have his waxwork made in Madame Tussauds in Hollywood Boulevard.
Channel 4 also used to broadcast Bollywood movies. Most viewers who haven’t experienced Bollywood before would definitely find it a different experience. Bollywood films are mostly musicals containing catchy music in the form of song and dance numbers woven into the script. They are also filled with extravagant bright colours, and last for much longer than Hollywood movies. So be sure you’re in a comfy spot before settling down to watch a Bollywood flick!
So could Bollywood become more mainstream among western audiences? With the various stars appearing in western cinema and becoming more recognised within audiences who come from an English background it is safe to say that maybe it could.
FemaleFirst Haleema Shabir
Tagged in Bollywood