Bollywood
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History of Bollywood
Bollywood encompasses both film and television, originating from Mumbai, India. Rule of thumb: Musical numbers and dance breaks are mandatory and good subtitles are optional.
To Bollywood is to enjoy lavish sets, romance, action, and a strangely recurring trope of fearing ice cubes. Look no further for reviews, recommendations, and tidbits of historical context.
Dancing Through Life
Why do Bollywood Films always have a musical dance number?
Indian cinema grew out of older performance traditions such as classical theater, folk storytelling, and dance forms, and maintains those traditions to this day. Moviegoers look for the “full package” of entertainment when seeing a film, so they want song, dance, and the whole shabang. Musical numbers are an inextricable part of the storytelling language, cultural heritage, and commercial strategy.
10 Most Popular Bollywood Films Internationally
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Dangal (2016)
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Secret Superstar (2017)
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Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
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Disco Dancer (1982)
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Baahubali 2 (2017)
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RRR (2022)
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Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026)
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Andhadhun (2018)
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Pathaan (2023)
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Jawan (2023)
Indian Cliffnotes: History Edition
Ancient India (c. 2500 BCE – 500 CE)
c. 2500–1900 BCE – Indus Valley Civilization
Urban cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro; advanced drainage and planning.
c. 1500–500 BCE – Vedic Period
Composition of the Vedas; foundation of Hindu philosophy and social systems.
c. 6th century BCE – Rise of new religions:
Buddhism
Jainism
c. 322–185 BCE – Maurya Empire
Peak under Ashoka, who spread Buddhism.
c. 320–550 CE – Gupta Empire
Golden age of science, mathematics, art, and literature.
Medieval India (c. 500 – 1700 CE)
c. 600–1200 CE – Regional kingdoms flourish (Cholas, Rajputs, etc.)
1206–1526 CE – Delhi Sultanate
Introduction of Indo-Islamic culture.
1526–1857 CE – Mughal Empire
Founded by Babur; peak under Akbar; notable for architecture like the Taj Mahal.
Colonial India (c. 1757 – 1947)
1757 – Battle of Plassey
Start of British dominance.
1857 – Indian Rebellion of 1857
Leads to direct British Crown rule.
1885 – Formation of Indian National Congress
Early 1900s–1947 – Freedom movement led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi.
Modern India (1947 – Present)
1947 – Indian Independence and partition into India and Pakistan.
1950 – India becomes a republic; Constitution comes into effect.
Post-1947 – Growth as a democratic nation; economic reforms in 1991 boost globalization.
