So, I have to admit, as a (sort-of) Indo-American, I’ve probably watched way fewer Indian movies than I’m probably obligated too. And apparently, there are all kinds of connections between Bollywood and the world outside
India that I never knew about. Here’s one in particular I would’ve never considered:
Australian Prime Minister John Howard visited Bollywood to encourage Indian moviemakers to film more in
Australia. I guess
Australia looks a little more Indian than
India when it comes to making movies. Bollywood churns out more movies a year than any other big film industry, and about 40 of them have been shot in
Australia since 2000. Even big hits like Salaam Namaste are set in Australian cities like
Sydney. The film stars several big name Indian actors and is directed by Yash Chopra, a prominent Indian director, but it also features an Australian actress.
This seems like the avenue of transnationalism that we barely hit: entertainment. Not only is Australian geography entertaining Indian moviegoers, but Australians are also starting to soak in the curry-tainted Bollywood films. It’s pretty interesting to see two cultures we never really thought about blending actually coming together and blending into one. Moreover, just as
India’s benefiting by filming in
Australia because it helps with innovation in films as well as a change in scenery,
Australia also profits from the Bollywood industry. Howard is hoping that more Indian films being set in
Canberra, for example, will help bring Indian vacationers to the land down-under. I guess the world really is flat.
