20 reasons why I luuurrve Bollywood...

While I'm on my self-imposed break from the story of how I became enraptured with Dharmendra, I thought I'd just remind myself and everyone else of the reasons why I love with Bollywood. After all, 'twas Bollywood that led me to Garam Dharam...

1. It's pure escapism. I love a movie that succeeds in taking me out of my world for a few hours. I come back into my world feeling refreshed.


2. The music is beautiful. I love the way the movies are scored. I love music and Bollywood loves music too!


3. There is a zest for life in many Bollywood movies that echoes the way I feel about the world and about people.


4. They are nice and clean for the most part... no unnecessary sex or gratuitous violence (although anyone who's seen SRK's 'Koyla' may choose to disagree about the violence).


5. They remind me of how much I love my family.


6. There's always a moral to the story... the movies remind me of important things I want to remember about life.


7. Cheesy they may often be, but I love the fact that they make me laugh, cry, sing, dance and express all my pent-up emotion. Catharsis is very good for the soul!


8. The actresses are so beautiful and so beautifully-dressed, and I get beauty tips, plus general beauty-style-and-grace inspiration, just from watching them.


9. I am intrigued by Indian culture, Indian religions, Indian food, and all things Indian... and Bollywood movies depict India (although this is not strictly true).


10. The actors are kinda hot sometimes. I especially like my SRK.


11. The emotional nature of the movies indulges my innate love for drama... and it's all external to my life. I get to watch and feel the drama without actually being steeped in drama in my everyday life. It's quite cool.


12. There are interesting parallels between the Indian world depicted in Bollywood, and my Nigerian world. (e.g. calling people you aren't related to 'Aunty' and 'Uncle'; the extended family system, respect for elders)


13. They are just so entertaining and FUN!


14. You can watch them over and over again, especially because the music is so lovely.


15. They kept me company during a low period of my life... and did a great job of it.


16. There is a lot of talent in Bollywood: the actors (see my faves list in the sidebar of this blog), the musicians, the playback singers, the stuntsmen, the costumiers, the hair and makeup people, the directors, the choreographers... when it all comes together it's like a colourful Holi festival of creativity.


17. They are unique, different from anything else out there... and for me, different is good.


18. The movies are deep... oftentimes they are multilayered, because of the highly intuitive method of filmmaking. The depth is not forced or over-planned, it's instinctive, and this makes the metaphors and connections even more precious when you find them.


19. They are colourful and can keep your eyes glued to the screen cos there's just so much going on.


20. You get everything in Bollywood: the more commercial 'masala' flicks ("Kuch Kuch Hota Hai"), the more serious ("Black") / offbeat ("Company") pictures, the comedies, the tragedies, the really good movies, the terrible movies ("Insaniyat") ... it's a varied world, contrary to popular perception.
    

I could go on, but it's 20 reasons after all. Bottom line: I LOVE BOLLYWOOD!