A movie is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty or atmosphere through the use of moving images. These images are generally accompanied by sound and rarely other sensory stimulations. Movies have become an effective medium of communication rather than any random storytelling way. Hindi cinema popularly known as “Bollywood” is an Indian Hindi-Language film industry based in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) originating from the combination “Bombay” & “Hollywood”. First Bollywood movie “Raja Harishchandra” was released in the year 1913. The 1930s and 1940s were tumultuous times; India was buffeted by the Great Depression, World War II, the Indian independence movement, and the violence of the Partition. Although most early Bombay films were unabashedly escapist, a number of filmmakers tackled tough social issues and used the struggle for Indian independence as a backdrop for their films.
The period from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, after India's independence, is regarded by film historians as the Golden Age of Hindi cinema. Some of the most critically acclaimed Hindi films of all time were produced during this time. A lot of movies were produced capping various genres. Bollywood movies made a significant presence in the hearts of many viewers all over the world.
“Make emotions work for you, instead of against you.”
Back then Bollywood movies had a story to convey and act to portray which was perfectly delivered by the crew. Actors, Actresses, Directors, Singers, Music Composers were widely recognised and appreciated. Soon, Bollywood became the film industry to produce the highest number of films in a year with high budget from being called the “Penniless Industry”. Hindi films have been a significant form of soft power for India, increasing its influence and changing overseas perceptions of India. In Germany, Indian stereotypes included bullock carts, beggars, sacred cows, corrupt politicians, and catastrophes before Bollywood and the IT industry transformed global perceptions of India. According to the author Roopa Swaminathan, “Bollywood cinema is one of the strongest global cultural ambassadors of a new India.”. Its role in expanding India's global influence is comparable to Hollywood's similar role with American influence. There was a time where more Indian movies were consumed in Russia than Russian movies.
There were many prominent faces during the golden era such as Dadasaheb Phalke, Amitabh Bachchan, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dharmendra, Prem Chopra, Sunil Dutt, Sharmila Tagore, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Rajesh Khanna, Rekha, Hema Malini. It is a never-ending list. Comparing old Bollywood movies with the new ones clearly represents the impact being reduced. Though being limited by the technology in their time, directors used to deliver new content to the audience.