Global Village Blog Unlimited

India-Hollywood partnership

2009-08-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

It took upto 14 months to create this baby. But a baby that has created history. Bollywood emerged as a major player in Hollywood on August 17 as Oscar winner Steven Spielberg finalized his funding deal of 825 million dollars, with major chunk coming from India’s Reliance.

Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, chairman of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, wrote the biggest check of 325 million dollars in equity, for new DreamWorks Studios operated by principal partners Spielberg and Stacey Snider after about 14 months of financial alliance. Various banks, including Bank of America, provided final leg of financing. The Studios will make up to 21 movies over next four years.

Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, welcoming this new India-Hollywood partnership, said that this pact signaled India’s emergence as a rising force in Hollywood. It clearly exhibited that India was evolving as a pivotal player in international film arena.

Funding battle was tough for Spielberg because of evaporation of Wall Street financing in Hollywood, thus opening doors to foreign investment. To raise finance, Spielberg had to sell a half interest in the company to Reliance who was eager to get a toehold in Hollywood, according to reports.

Spielberg and Snider, in a statement, thanked “Anil personally for his foresight and fortitude over the past months”. Ambani said, “Our partnership with Stacey and Steven is the cornerstone of our Hollywood strategy as we grow our film interests across the globe.” For Reliance, the venture is also “a step in the direction of trying to do something on a global scale that appeals to global audiences” and an attempt to accelerate the development of India’s film industry.

JAI HO!

(adapted from various sources on the internet)
Raga D’silva

BOLLYWOOD DOMINATES - WHY?

2009-07-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

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.

30 years in India, but grew up in NZ

2009-07-26T23:38:00.000-07:00

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:

Dr Kiran Bedi, my HERO

2009-07-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

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 ...

Burger King says sorry to Hindus

2009-07-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

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!

Oh, how I hate the letters W and V

2009-07-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Bring a Plate..are our neighbours poor?

2009-07-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

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.........

Gold Coin donation - what?

2009-07-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

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.

I knew I was in India, when... Part I

2008-09-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

I knew I was in India when:

- First thing that hits you when you disembark from the plane is the beautiful smells -- its a mixtures of a 25 million sweaty people, about 12 million men urinating in public, mixed with the oily food cooked on the streets of Delhi.......! Ah, but its a smell that lives with you even when you stop living!

- Then you walk through customs, and after queing for like 5 mins (yes, that's changed now), you spend 10 mins at the counter (this hasn't changed yet) being stared at by the very interested power driven person behind the counter. He/She will glance at your passport, then back and you . After doing this like a hundred times, and making you feel so uncomfortable that you want to pretend you are a smuggler so you can be taken away from there, he/she will ask 'is this your photo madam'. You say 'yes, ofocurse'. And get into a nervous banter 'oh, it looks different because it was taken about 4 years ago, when I had short hair, and less pounds on my face, and ....'. You get stopped short ... 'go'...! You feel ridiculous standing there just having spent a good amount of time justifying your silly passport photo to the person.

- you go out to collect you baggage, and ALL people of Indian origin are almost on top of the conveyor belt. Like their baggage will come any faster if they stood on top of it!

- Baggage arrives soon enough! In one piece! Great! Then you make your way out -- only to be greeted by hundreds of taxi drivers to hire their taxi. You look for that knight in shining armour to rescue you! He arrives -- with a placard saying 'MR.....' You look at him and say 'hi its me'., He looks at you and says back 'Sorry madam, looking for Mister Raju'. You explain in torrid hindi...! He understands and takes your baggage, including your hand bag. You want to tell him not to take your hand bag, but he won't listen. You run a few paces behind him. The heat getting to you and your reach the most elegant car! You get in, and get given a cold face towel. Great idea.... but you think, 'has this been washed'? Then you let go, and wipe your face dry. Then you get given a bottle of cold water...and then 'madam, welcome to Delhi'. For the briefiest moment you allow yourself to be indulged, forgetting that you are in Delhi/India. Then you look out of the window!...........

and........... it's all over for you! You have fallen in love!

Great time 'getting lost' in Dehli

2008-09-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

"Getting lost" has a whole new meaning in Delhi. This is how it works:
- First, you ask for a car with a driver, who has the local knowledge

- The driver arrives with a car. Nice clean car -- with paper at the bottom of the car saying 'have a safe trip' (makes you wonder, hmmm "is this some kind of a warning?")

- The paper is there so that the car does not get all that rubbish that you collect from the roads all day and bring it inside the car

- Then there is the plastic wrapping on the seats. I ask the driver, very surprised 'is this a new car'? (the car looks beaten but plastic still on the seats makes you wonder, and the 'have a safe trip' paper comes back to my mind)."no madam' he says. He explains that the car is about 7 years old and the plastic has never been taken off. The plastic looks much more newer than the car, I can vouch for that.

- then you tell him where you want to go. He says 'ok madam'. And off he goes.

- then about 2 hours in to the journey, you realise you have almost left Delhi behind an hour ago. You ask 'Driver, do you know where you are going?'. Silence! I repeat. Silence again. Then sheepish reply 'actually madam, I was waiting for you to give me directions'!! You want to kill him then. We stop to ask someone. They give you directions. 'Go straight and turn left one says'., You do that, you reach a dead end. You ask someone else, they say "what madam, you are completely in the wrong direction. Go back, and then go straight and right'. You do that for about 20 mins. All this through the heaviest traffic you can imagine - the main roads and the off roads all have all kinds of cars, heavy trucks, babies begging in the middle of the road, cows in abundance, livestock.

- I have a smart driver. He reverses the car each time we have missed the direction. He reverses the car in the middle of a heavy traffic, on the opposite side of where every one else is heading. And no one even gets angry about it. They just let him pass.

- After about another 20 mins, after I have called the client about 20 times, we stop again. We ask for directions again. The man looks at me, the driver, then me and the driver. I think 'stop the f-ing drama, just tell us where to go'. He says 'what madam, you are completely in the wrong suburb'. That place is about 10 kms away.

- My driver says immediately 'madam, I told you!!!'. I want to kill him by then. Totally.

- I finally glare at him, and in my most strongest, angriest voice I say to him, 'I need to be at this place in 20 mins. If I dont reach there on time, I will not pay you'. That seems to work instantly. I am at the place in less than!

Finally!
more later.,

Monkey Times in Delhi

2008-09-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is true. Due to the 'monkey menace' in Delhi, they have set up a 'monkey catcher' incentive programme. Any one who can catch a monkey, bring it to the authorities gets Rs. 500. Not bad, so far!
This is a true story I heard last night.
A westerner got pestered by monkeys. So he decided to get them caught and give it to the authorities. He went to a monkey catcher. The monkey catcher caught "a" monkey and he handed him over to the authorities and pocketed the money. The problem continued. The catcher got called in almost daily and got Rs 500 each time he turned in the money. Until one day, the poor white man realised that the monkey 'looked very familiar'. He asked the monkey catcher, why the monkey looked so familiar. The catcher said 'Sir, all monkeys looked alike'. Then the poor white man decided to investigate (but ofcourse!!). He found out that the 'monkey was being recyled'. Ha!
This was part of the deal. Pester the westerners, get the monkey catcher in, hand over the same monkey each time to the authorities, and pocket the money. Share it with the authorities. Then recyle until you found another scape goat! It happens only in India.
And then to add to this bizariety...yesterday the papers say that New Delhi's deputy mayor falls to death because of monkey mayhem. http://raratimes.blogspot.com/. It's true. Read it!
These are monkey times eh! Don't monkey around too much!

Bar time in Delhi

2008-09-07T17:05:00.001-07:00

I am in India currently. More specifically in Delhi. It's the only place on earth (Ahmen) where the men still start lecherously at women -- even if the woman is 100 yrs old, as long as she has a ample bosom! Well, guess what happens to moi then!

I am staying at this beautiful boutique hotel at Friends Colony (highly recommended) www.thedelhimanor.com.

I have had a big day yesterday. Techerous traffic, hot day, lecherous men (did I say that already!) and so noisy that the ears ring much after you have left that place. But I love it all!!!

Last night, I decide to go to the bar attached to the restaurant. Just because...

They were playing my fav Dido, but there was a western man sitting at the bar so I decided to sit outside in the courtyard. Beautiful night and all! Two other guys joined in the courtyard shortly. Loud Canadians!

First of all, the waiter came in with the menu. Remember we are at a bar, I can see the guys have just ordered for beers, and the other guy sitting inside is also having a beer. But I get the menu for 'lassi, orange juice and water'...haha! I say to the waiter "can you pls give me the drinks menu". He says with a sincere look on his face "madam this is the drinks menu"...!! I say 'Alcoholic drinks" . He almost faints!!!! I swear. I can see the sweat forming. He brings the menu and then he says 'wine is not good for woman'...lol..I say 'no problem.I am not having wine anyway. Get me a vodka'......!!! he nearly dies.

Makes me smile each time this happens! Makes me want to do it more often. Why, don't know!

Next time, I may order a glass or maybe a bottle of wine, just to see the look on his face!