Bollywood

Bollywood is the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India. The term combines Bombay, the city’s former name, with Hollywood, and is commonly used to refer to the Indian film industry that produces the largest number of films in India and has a global audience. It is one part of Indian cinema, which also includes regional industries in various languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Malayalam.

Bollywood films are typically characterized by song-and-dance numbers, melodrama, and a strong emphasis on romance and family themes. Productions often feature a prominent star system, elaborate sets, and musical sequences that are integrated with narrative progression. The industry supports large-scale promotion, distribution, and international distribution channels that reach audiences in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, especially within diaspora communities.

Historically, Indian cinema began in the early 20th century, with silent films and later talkies. The 1950s and 1960s are viewed as a golden era for craft and storytelling in Hindi cinema. The 1970s introduced masala films blending action, comedy, romance, and song. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, globalization, privatization, and new technologies expanded production, cross-border collaborations, and the reach of streaming platforms.

Bollywood has a significant cultural influence and contributes to fashion, music, and popular culture in India and beyond. It is a major economic sector, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting global investment. The industry continues to adapt through digital distribution, international partnerships, and diverse storytelling, while also facing debates over representation, censorship, and labor practices.

Notable figures associated with Bollywood include directors such as Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra, and Karan Johar; and actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Priyanka Chopra.