INDIAN FILMS PER YEAR - 1100
AMERICAN FILMS - 520
FILMS FROM JAPAN - 418
FILMS FROM CHINA - 400
India is market leader in a host of products as we know, globally. A lot is known of bollywood films, its "running behind trees', love triangles, beautiful women, bollywood men like Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan (should we be calling it khanwood I wonder!). Some parts of the world know of our craze for cricket and bollywood. But most do not know that we produce the most number of films each year. 1100 films a year, a 100% more than the number of films that come out of America and 60% more films that come out of China!
Little is know about the fact that while India is a largest producer of films in the world and it does dominate the world film market, technically or statistically speaking, why does it churn out so many films each year?
Is it pure commercials? No, I don't think so! I personally believe it is due to multiple reasons:
1) Billions bring billions of stories> we all know that each person has a story inside him/her. By that regard, we have billions of stories. Our population is our story. The ethos of the people living in India, within different cultural boundaries, within huge difference is our story. Our poverty is our story. Our successes is our story. Our global recognition is our story. But more importantly, our tendency to live our very distinct life as Indians, is our story. Some make fun of it, like Russel Peters -- that's great too..all adds to the promotion!
2)Escapism: While the whole world recognised and appreciated 'Slumdog Millionaire', Indians shyed aweay from it. Why? Because we live that life. If we don't live it, we see it, feel it, even run away from it...! Our bollywood stories are centered around treachery, love triangles, rags to riches stories -- tis always about good against evil. Why? So we can escape from our real world and just for that time go into a world of dreams. Why else would we have 3 hours of cinema, the longest films in the world???
3) It's not all song and dance. It's Magic: We believe in magic. We believe strongly that life will change for us, even if for those 180 mins of our lives. We believe that we will find our knight in shining armour who will take us away from the dramas of life, to a land of wonderful dreams. We believe that magic is in us. We believe. Our cinemas makes us believe in that, it motivates us, it allows us to dream. Its our license to creating magic.
In my opinion bollywood just does not dominate the world, it dominates all the people who have a story to tell, who want to escape and who believe in magic! It dominates us all, no matter where we live.
That's why Indian cinema dominates the world.. Your opinions are welcome. Please feel free to tell us why else do we dominate the world films.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
30 years in India, but grew up in NZ
Ah, life -- fantastic life. A journey that is so colourful. I spent 30 years in India -- I went to school, college, management, professional development, career, children, life experiences, everything in India. But then, why do I say that I grew up in New Zealand, in my last 8 years here?
SIMPLE! Arguably, we Indians (God bless us!) come from a very protective, sheltered backgrounds. Our parents are always there for us. (it does not mean that they are not here for NZ children). But, it's different in India. Our parents take care of us, give us education (in most cases atleast until university level as that is the minimum criteria for any jobs in India). In some cases, like mine, they provide support (both emotionally and financially until you get a further management degree), support you in the same way through your marriage and then they leave you to fly! All because we want change...
Fly we do! Sometimes to distant lands, where we are suddenly thrown into a 'REAL' world! A world that is pretty different to our upbringing.
We no longer find the 'security' that we have been so used to in India, the sheltered lives suddenly get shattered --- when we have to do our own chores (no maids to run errands, wash our laundry, our dishes, iron our clothes, take our children to schools...). When we get ignored at our jobs, and find many qualified, highly experienced, educated Indians working in supermarkets and driving taxis. When we'd be lucky to even find a job.
We end up feeling all alone in this 'new' world -- where everything is very exciting, but comes with its own challenges. It's adventurous, it's fun, but it is frightening. As a Kiwi Indian, I can definitely tell you that its a very scary feeling.
When you are thrown in a world like this -- you grow up! As I did! Finally in my 8 years here.
Lucky, Kiwis have a great sense of humour and are highly creative...watch this fantastic ad:
SIMPLE! Arguably, we Indians (God bless us!) come from a very protective, sheltered backgrounds. Our parents are always there for us. (it does not mean that they are not here for NZ children). But, it's different in India. Our parents take care of us, give us education (in most cases atleast until university level as that is the minimum criteria for any jobs in India). In some cases, like mine, they provide support (both emotionally and financially until you get a further management degree), support you in the same way through your marriage and then they leave you to fly! All because we want change...
Fly we do! Sometimes to distant lands, where we are suddenly thrown into a 'REAL' world! A world that is pretty different to our upbringing.
We no longer find the 'security' that we have been so used to in India, the sheltered lives suddenly get shattered --- when we have to do our own chores (no maids to run errands, wash our laundry, our dishes, iron our clothes, take our children to schools...). When we get ignored at our jobs, and find many qualified, highly experienced, educated Indians working in supermarkets and driving taxis. When we'd be lucky to even find a job.
We end up feeling all alone in this 'new' world -- where everything is very exciting, but comes with its own challenges. It's adventurous, it's fun, but it is frightening. As a Kiwi Indian, I can definitely tell you that its a very scary feeling.
When you are thrown in a world like this -- you grow up! As I did! Finally in my 8 years here.
Lucky, Kiwis have a great sense of humour and are highly creative...watch this fantastic ad:
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Dr Kiran Bedi, my HERO
My subject today is a very serious one. Serious because, we are talking about someone as special as India's first female Police Office, Kiran Bedi, who was conferred a doctorate for her achievement and her contribution to society. Also serious because we normally bring tongue-in-cheek accounts of our experiences to you.
Global Village Unlimited, is known to align itself to quality projects. Projects that are of high value to our customers. Such projects commercially successful for all concerned. Every now and again, we get involved with projects that are not only the epitome of quality, but they speak a thousand language with their beautifully fabricated but real and powerful stories. Getting involved with a quality film made my Australian Film maker, Megan Doneman, YES, MADAM SIR, based on Dr Kiran Bedi's story is one such example.
We are proud of our alignment, as we were with bringing in FIRAAQ, the award winning film by Nandita Das, and co-written by a Indian born Kiwi writer Shuchi Kothari. Such people add a fifth dimension to our lives.
Tonight we have the pleasure of taking Megan Doneman out to dinner, and we are looking forward to finding out what makes someone from another country, make a film about a personality such as Dr Bedi, -- and spend 6 years making it! That is one big task!
Well it is a woman's world after all, as says Simi Grewal.
More tomorrow ...
Global Village Unlimited, is known to align itself to quality projects. Projects that are of high value to our customers. Such projects commercially successful for all concerned. Every now and again, we get involved with projects that are not only the epitome of quality, but they speak a thousand language with their beautifully fabricated but real and powerful stories. Getting involved with a quality film made my Australian Film maker, Megan Doneman, YES, MADAM SIR, based on Dr Kiran Bedi's story is one such example.
We are proud of our alignment, as we were with bringing in FIRAAQ, the award winning film by Nandita Das, and co-written by a Indian born Kiwi writer Shuchi Kothari. Such people add a fifth dimension to our lives.
Tonight we have the pleasure of taking Megan Doneman out to dinner, and we are looking forward to finding out what makes someone from another country, make a film about a personality such as Dr Bedi, -- and spend 6 years making it! That is one big task!
Well it is a woman's world after all, as says Simi Grewal.
More tomorrow ...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Burger King says sorry to Hindus
This is a great example of NOT understanding cultural sensitivities, or in this case, probably using the Hindu Goddess to "stand out of the clutter" as we heard on some news clippings.
Hindu's and (Indians) worship their Gods. It doesn't matter where they live -- India, New Zealand, United States of America, Canada....Spain,whichever part of the world, their Gods (our) are very important to them/us.
Now, using a Hindu Goddess to sit on a burger with meat, is not only culturally insensitive, it lacks complete respect for the culture and its target market.And pray, tell me, Burger King, what was the message?? Considering I am reasonably clever, I haven't really got it? What next??
Well, I for one, won't be eating that burger anymore - bugger that!
Hindu's and (Indians) worship their Gods. It doesn't matter where they live -- India, New Zealand, United States of America, Canada....Spain,whichever part of the world, their Gods (our) are very important to them/us.
Now, using a Hindu Goddess to sit on a burger with meat, is not only culturally insensitive, it lacks complete respect for the culture and its target market.And pray, tell me, Burger King, what was the message?? Considering I am reasonably clever, I haven't really got it? What next??
Well, I for one, won't be eating that burger anymore - bugger that!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Oh, how I hate the letters W and V
Ah, as an Indian, living in New Zealand, there is nothing more I "hate" than being introduced to someone with their names starting with the letter W or V.
Little do we Indians know that we actually pronounce our W's as V's and our V's as W's! Frightening, isn't it?
In one of my jobs here, I had an HR Manager by the name Vicky Wilson. I was introduced to her and ofcourse not knowing what you don't know, I was happy calling out her to her by her much used (and common name). Only to be hear constant giggles in the background. One day, not being able to handle it any longer, I asked my colleagues what the story was.
And then it came out, ...how I pronounced Vicky Wilson, as Wicky Vilson! Go, figure! Do we care? Nah. Not really. Does she care? Not sure.She probably feels special that she gets called something that people remember once I have been introduced to her! ah! but besides that, I don't think so.!
But,just know that if you are talking to a Vicky, or Raewyn, or a William, and you get stared at, or hear giggles in the background -- its nothing to worry about! It's just your W and V, that is upside down....just like the rest of the world.
Little do we Indians know that we actually pronounce our W's as V's and our V's as W's! Frightening, isn't it?
In one of my jobs here, I had an HR Manager by the name Vicky Wilson. I was introduced to her and ofcourse not knowing what you don't know, I was happy calling out her to her by her much used (and common name). Only to be hear constant giggles in the background. One day, not being able to handle it any longer, I asked my colleagues what the story was.
And then it came out, ...how I pronounced Vicky Wilson, as Wicky Vilson! Go, figure! Do we care? Nah. Not really. Does she care? Not sure.She probably feels special that she gets called something that people remember once I have been introduced to her! ah! but besides that, I don't think so.!
But,just know that if you are talking to a Vicky, or Raewyn, or a William, and you get stared at, or hear giggles in the background -- its nothing to worry about! It's just your W and V, that is upside down....just like the rest of the world.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bring a Plate..are our neighbours poor?
So, Mr and Mrs new India got invited to their neighbours for a get together! Neighbour said 'R and R please come over to our house on saturday for a get together, to celebrate the end of daylight savings'. Point to note here, Kiwis love to party....we have get togethers for everything here. Sun is shining, party. Sun is not shining, party. Full moon, party. Daylight savings party. Birthdays, weddings..everything is celebrated. latest, is SWINE FLU parties! oh well...I digress...(another Indian trait)
So, Mr and Mrs new Indian get invited to the neighbours house -- who ask them to 'bring a plate'.
There is much debate and discussion at Mr and Mrs New Indian home that night. "ah, bring a plate? what is that about'? says Mrs new Indian. Mr new Indian, who's knows "everything" (never mind that he has never set foot outside his home and office prior to coming overseas), says 'I know, our poor neighbours do not have extra plates in their house". "what to do now " they say in unison.
Next day, Mr and Mrs new Indian look up the newspapers -- for any specials. Briscoes has a 50% sale -- ah, they say "let's go and get our poor neighhours a dozen plates, that way they don't have to ask each and everyone to 'bring a plate'
So, they buy a dozen beautiful plates for their neighbours and go to the party!
'Ding dong'...they ring the door bell. Door opens. "Welcome Mr and Mrs R" says the neighbour. The proud humble new Indians give their neighbours the box -- the box with a dozen plates". The neighbour is expecting something else..but clearly puzzled asked 'so, what did you bring? looks like an Indian delicacy in a box, ah can't wait to taste it'. The new Indians look more puzzled than the neighbour.
"These are a dozen plates for you Madam" they say. "Oh, you can call me Diana" neighbour says "but dozen plates, but we don't need pla......" and then it dawns on her .............!!!
In New Zealand, when anyone says "bring a plate', it simply means 'bring a plate of food of your choice' to participate in the celebrations, party, get together....
So, learnt Mr and Mrs new Indian that day.........
So, Mr and Mrs new Indian get invited to the neighbours house -- who ask them to 'bring a plate'.
There is much debate and discussion at Mr and Mrs New Indian home that night. "ah, bring a plate? what is that about'? says Mrs new Indian. Mr new Indian, who's knows "everything" (never mind that he has never set foot outside his home and office prior to coming overseas), says 'I know, our poor neighbours do not have extra plates in their house". "what to do now " they say in unison.
Next day, Mr and Mrs new Indian look up the newspapers -- for any specials. Briscoes has a 50% sale -- ah, they say "let's go and get our poor neighhours a dozen plates, that way they don't have to ask each and everyone to 'bring a plate'
So, they buy a dozen beautiful plates for their neighbours and go to the party!
'Ding dong'...they ring the door bell. Door opens. "Welcome Mr and Mrs R" says the neighbour. The proud humble new Indians give their neighbours the box -- the box with a dozen plates". The neighbour is expecting something else..but clearly puzzled asked 'so, what did you bring? looks like an Indian delicacy in a box, ah can't wait to taste it'. The new Indians look more puzzled than the neighbour.
"These are a dozen plates for you Madam" they say. "Oh, you can call me Diana" neighbour says "but dozen plates, but we don't need pla......" and then it dawns on her .............!!!
In New Zealand, when anyone says "bring a plate', it simply means 'bring a plate of food of your choice' to participate in the celebrations, party, get together....
So, learnt Mr and Mrs new Indian that day.........
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Gold Coin donation - what?
New Zealand's currency is New Zealand dollar. It has two coins (a one dollar coin and a two dollar coin) that are available in gold colour, hence called gold coins.
Typically in New Zealand, some schools, organisations run activities, events and programmes and ask you to bring a 'gold coin along' or say 'its a gold coin donation'.
Well, our Mr new Indian's son came home one day from school and told his Dad, "Papa, tomorrow we have an event in our school, and our school has asked for a gold coin donation". Poor Mr new Indian scratched his head hard read the information provided by his son and thought 'hmmm gold coin...where do I get a gold coin from"....! Mrs new Indian, the mum, had an idea of course'. She remembered that her new friend, she met at her son's school had a jewellery store. "ah" she said "I know, just what to do"...!! off went Mr new Indian and Mrs new Indian...and did what they thought was right.
The next day at school, a beaming little young Master new Indian went to school with his newly purchased 'gold coin'. He handed it over to his class teacher -- who looked at him, and then at the gold coin and said 'D...where did you get this from'? he replied 'My mama, and papa bought it from Mrs Sonhar yesterday'. She looked ... and looked and it finally clicked. Her little school boy had bought a REAL gold coin for her...!!
She ofcourse called the Mama and Papa of our new little master Indian and returned the coin, and explained how it works in New Zealand. A "gold coin" donation, simply meant, a one dollar or a two dollar coin!
Mama and Papa learnt from this and lived happily ever after...until....they got invited by their neighbours to a party...more about that later.
Typically in New Zealand, some schools, organisations run activities, events and programmes and ask you to bring a 'gold coin along' or say 'its a gold coin donation'.
Well, our Mr new Indian's son came home one day from school and told his Dad, "Papa, tomorrow we have an event in our school, and our school has asked for a gold coin donation". Poor Mr new Indian scratched his head hard read the information provided by his son and thought 'hmmm gold coin...where do I get a gold coin from"....! Mrs new Indian, the mum, had an idea of course'. She remembered that her new friend, she met at her son's school had a jewellery store. "ah" she said "I know, just what to do"...!! off went Mr new Indian and Mrs new Indian...and did what they thought was right.
The next day at school, a beaming little young Master new Indian went to school with his newly purchased 'gold coin'. He handed it over to his class teacher -- who looked at him, and then at the gold coin and said 'D...where did you get this from'? he replied 'My mama, and papa bought it from Mrs Sonhar yesterday'. She looked ... and looked and it finally clicked. Her little school boy had bought a REAL gold coin for her...!!
She ofcourse called the Mama and Papa of our new little master Indian and returned the coin, and explained how it works in New Zealand. A "gold coin" donation, simply meant, a one dollar or a two dollar coin!
Mama and Papa learnt from this and lived happily ever after...until....they got invited by their neighbours to a party...more about that later.
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