Mani Ratnam, one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in India, recently shared his views on why Hindi cinema is still referred to as Bollywood in the western world. According to Ratnam, the term ‘Bollywood’ has become so entrenched in popular culture that it has become almost impossible to disassociate it from the Indian film industry.
In a recent interview, Ratnam stated that “The term Bollywood has become so popular and familiar, especially in the West, that it has almost become synonymous with the Indian film industry.” He went on to add that “the term has been used for so long now that people will stop using it only if something else equally catchy and relatable takes its place.”
Ratnam’s comments come at a time when there is a growing debate in India about the use of the term ‘Bollywood’ to refer to the Hindi film industry. Some argue that the term is reductive and diminishes the diversity of the Indian film industry, which includes several regional film industries such as Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali cinema.
However, Ratnam’s perspective offers a pragmatic take on the issue. He recognizes that the term ‘Bollywood’ has become an integral part of the way in which the Indian film industry is perceived globally. For the western audience, the term ‘Bollywood’ conjures up images of colorful song-and-dance sequences, larger-than-life characters, and epic melodramas that are synonymous with the Hindi film industry.
In conclusion, Mani Ratnam’s comments highlight the complexity of the issue surrounding the use of the term ‘Bollywood’ to refer to the Indian film industry. While some may argue that the term is reductive and dismissive, Ratnam’s perspective recognizes the importance of the term in shaping the global perception of Indian cinema. Perhaps, as Ratnam suggests, the only way to move beyond the term is to find something equally catchy and relatable that can take its place.
