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| 100 years of Indian cinema - the Bradford connection | 100 years of Indian cinema - the Bradford connection |
| (8 days later) | |
| 1999. It was a muggy night and approaching the end of a long and arduous day. The festivities were coming to a close and I was restively glancing at my watch as I knew I had yet to endure a four-hour drive to London. It was approaching midnight. Overdosing on coffee and chewing gum, I was anxious but at the same time excited - like a little kid waiting to open his presents on his tenth birthday. | 1999. It was a muggy night and approaching the end of a long and arduous day. The festivities were coming to a close and I was restively glancing at my watch as I knew I had yet to endure a four-hour drive to London. It was approaching midnight. Overdosing on coffee and chewing gum, I was anxious but at the same time excited - like a little kid waiting to open his presents on his tenth birthday. |
| The journey had begun as we set off on an empty M1. Sat on the back seat was the Indian actress, Pooja Bhatt, who had attended the Bite the Mango film festival at the then National Museum of Photography, Film & Television for an on-stage Screentalk interview. She had insisted on going back to London the same day as the following morning she was shooting a song and dance sequence. We arrived in London at 4am and bade our farewells. Now I had two-and-a-half hours to spare. | The journey had begun as we set off on an empty M1. Sat on the back seat was the Indian actress, Pooja Bhatt, who had attended the Bite the Mango film festival at the then National Museum of Photography, Film & Television for an on-stage Screentalk interview. She had insisted on going back to London the same day as the following morning she was shooting a song and dance sequence. We arrived in London at 4am and bade our farewells. Now I had two-and-a-half hours to spare. |
| The nerves were escalating and the butterflies were playing havoc in my stomach. More coffee and chewing gum. I parked the car at the terminal car park as the sun was beginning to rise. It was humid and the smell of aviation fuel began to fill the air coupled with the roaring engines of 'planes arriving and departing. I took a deep breath and one final look in the mirror. I walked into the terminal and the arrival board stated that the Air India flight landed five minutes ago. It was becoming excruciating. From consuming standard coffee for the last 24 hours, I upgraded to shots of espresso. | The nerves were escalating and the butterflies were playing havoc in my stomach. More coffee and chewing gum. I parked the car at the terminal car park as the sun was beginning to rise. It was humid and the smell of aviation fuel began to fill the air coupled with the roaring engines of 'planes arriving and departing. I took a deep breath and one final look in the mirror. I walked into the terminal and the arrival board stated that the Air India flight landed five minutes ago. It was becoming excruciating. From consuming standard coffee for the last 24 hours, I upgraded to shots of espresso. |
| Then, in the distance I saw a tall figure. My eyes were bleary and my heart began to beat profoundly. He approached me, holding one piece of hand luggage. He'd never met me but recognised me and extended his hand for me to shake. "Nice to meet you, Irfan", he said in that famous baritone voice. "Welcome to England, Mr Bachchan," I replied nervously, simultaneously attempting - in vain - to look and sound professional... and not in awe! | Then, in the distance I saw a tall figure. My eyes were bleary and my heart began to beat profoundly. He approached me, holding one piece of hand luggage. He'd never met me but recognised me and extended his hand for me to shake. "Nice to meet you, Irfan", he said in that famous baritone voice. "Welcome to England, Mr Bachchan," I replied nervously, simultaneously attempting - in vain - to look and sound professional... and not in awe! |
| We drove back to Bradford and throughout the epic journey all I could see in my rear view mirror was the face of Amitabh Bachchan. An actor who was soon to be voted 'Star of the Millennium'. An actor who I grew up idolising. The same man who had entertained the world with movies such as Sholay, Deewar, and Agneepath. A superstar in every sense of the word and a global ambassador for the Indian film industry, Amitabh Bachchan was and remains a significant part of that movie factory, known today as Bollywood. But more importantly to me, this screen icon was in the great city of Bradford. Bradford's relationship with Bollywood was a Fact. | We drove back to Bradford and throughout the epic journey all I could see in my rear view mirror was the face of Amitabh Bachchan. An actor who was soon to be voted 'Star of the Millennium'. An actor who I grew up idolising. The same man who had entertained the world with movies such as Sholay, Deewar, and Agneepath. A superstar in every sense of the word and a global ambassador for the Indian film industry, Amitabh Bachchan was and remains a significant part of that movie factory, known today as Bollywood. But more importantly to me, this screen icon was in the great city of Bradford. Bradford's relationship with Bollywood was a Fact. |
| Now, 14 years after that surreal and unforgettable experience, Indian cinema celebrates a century since Dadasaheb Phalke's Raja Harishchandra opened in Bombay (now known as Mumbai) on May 3, 1913. Born Dhundiraj Govind Phalke in 1870, the pioneering director started his career in a photographic studio where he learnt how to develop and print negative film. After assisting documentary filmmakers in Europe and perfecting his craft, Phalke released the first feature film at the Coronation Cinematograph and Variety Hall in Bombay. | Now, 14 years after that surreal and unforgettable experience, Indian cinema celebrates a century since Dadasaheb Phalke's Raja Harishchandra opened in Bombay (now known as Mumbai) on May 3, 1913. Born Dhundiraj Govind Phalke in 1870, the pioneering director started his career in a photographic studio where he learnt how to develop and print negative film. After assisting documentary filmmakers in Europe and perfecting his craft, Phalke released the first feature film at the Coronation Cinematograph and Variety Hall in Bombay. |
| One hundred years on Indian cinema is a global commodity and appeals to every culture and country around the world. Labelled 'Bollywood' by the West in the '90s – a term that has helped to globalise an industry that churns out in excess of 300 films a year - Bollywood is today not only an industry but a tradition and culture. Its influential stars are fervently followed by their idolising fans and there are certain celebrities such as Bachchan who are regarded as God-like figures. | One hundred years on Indian cinema is a global commodity and appeals to every culture and country around the world. Labelled 'Bollywood' by the West in the '90s – a term that has helped to globalise an industry that churns out in excess of 300 films a year - Bollywood is today not only an industry but a tradition and culture. Its influential stars are fervently followed by their idolising fans and there are certain celebrities such as Bachchan who are regarded as God-like figures. |
| For instance, when Bachchan starred in Manmohan Desai's Coolie (1983) and had a serious life-threatening accident on set, millions of devoted fans prayed for his recovery. Such is his appeal and, by association, that of Bollywood's home-grown stars. | For instance, when Bachchan starred in Manmohan Desai's Coolie (1983) and had a serious life-threatening accident on set, millions of devoted fans prayed for his recovery. Such is his appeal and, by association, that of Bollywood's home-grown stars. |
| Indian cinema has evolved throughout the decades and like any other industry has experienced peaks and troughs. The first sound film, Alam Ara, was released in 1931 at the Majestic Theatre in Bombay. Directed by Ardeshir Irani, Alam Ara established the use of song and dance as a staple of Indian cinema. The '40s witnessed the launch of Prithvi Theatres in Bombay, spearheaded by revered actor Prithviraj Kapoor. Today the Kapoor family is one of the largest dynasties in Indian cinema having dominated and influenced movies for many decades. Though Indian cinema is and has been predominately mainstream, filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray have defied the odds and elevated it to appeal to an international audience. Ray's 1955 Pather Panchali received major acclaim on the Euro-American festival and arthouse circuits making Ray India's first internationally recognised filmmaker. | Indian cinema has evolved throughout the decades and like any other industry has experienced peaks and troughs. The first sound film, Alam Ara, was released in 1931 at the Majestic Theatre in Bombay. Directed by Ardeshir Irani, Alam Ara established the use of song and dance as a staple of Indian cinema. The '40s witnessed the launch of Prithvi Theatres in Bombay, spearheaded by revered actor Prithviraj Kapoor. Today the Kapoor family is one of the largest dynasties in Indian cinema having dominated and influenced movies for many decades. Though Indian cinema is and has been predominately mainstream, filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray have defied the odds and elevated it to appeal to an international audience. Ray's 1955 Pather Panchali received major acclaim on the Euro-American festival and arthouse circuits making Ray India's first internationally recognised filmmaker. |
| The same decade delivered Mehboob Khan's Mother India, the first Indian film to be nominated for Best Foreign Picture at the Academy Awards. The beginning of the following decade witnessed the magnum opus that was Mughal –E-Azam, at that stage Indian cinema's most expensive production boasting a stylish cast that included Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala and Dilip Kumar. Kumar would go on to dominate the decade with critically acclaimed performances in Ganga Jumna and Ram Aur Shyam making him India's first superstar – a position that built on his earlier performance in the tragic tale Devdas. Prithviraj Kapoor's son Raj Kapoor was at the same time also reaching superstar status. It was difficult to separate these two emerging stars, such was their presence and mass appeal. | The same decade delivered Mehboob Khan's Mother India, the first Indian film to be nominated for Best Foreign Picture at the Academy Awards. The beginning of the following decade witnessed the magnum opus that was Mughal –E-Azam, at that stage Indian cinema's most expensive production boasting a stylish cast that included Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala and Dilip Kumar. Kumar would go on to dominate the decade with critically acclaimed performances in Ganga Jumna and Ram Aur Shyam making him India's first superstar – a position that built on his earlier performance in the tragic tale Devdas. Prithviraj Kapoor's son Raj Kapoor was at the same time also reaching superstar status. It was difficult to separate these two emerging stars, such was their presence and mass appeal. |
| The '70s gave birth to Rajesh Khanna and the 'Angry Young Man', a character portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan in Zanjeer and Deewar. Unconventional looking and standing over six feet tall, Bachchan frequently played angry characters raging against the political system. Films such as Sholay (regarded today as the greatest Indian film) peppered with elements of Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars earned Bachchan superstar status. Later in devastating style he would officially snatch the tag from Kumar in Ramesh Sippy's Shakti, where both icons shared the screen for the first time. | The '70s gave birth to Rajesh Khanna and the 'Angry Young Man', a character portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan in Zanjeer and Deewar. Unconventional looking and standing over six feet tall, Bachchan frequently played angry characters raging against the political system. Films such as Sholay (regarded today as the greatest Indian film) peppered with elements of Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars earned Bachchan superstar status. Later in devastating style he would officially snatch the tag from Kumar in Ramesh Sippy's Shakti, where both icons shared the screen for the first time. |
| Cinema went into decline in the '80s mainly due to the emerging video market. Added to this was as a drop in production standards that coincided with the waning star of Bachchan and lacklustre scripts that directly resulted in the worst phase of Indian cinema. After a decade of action films, Indian cinema desperately needed a change. Mansoor Khan's Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, a film celebrating puppy love released in 1988, introduced one of today's current stars in Aamir Khan. The biggest box office hit of the year, it breathed new life into glossy teen romances shot in advertising styles. The introduction of Salman Khan followed two years later in Maine Pyar Kiya (I Have Loved) and Mahesh Bhatt's Aashiqui reignited the importance of songs within Indian cinema. Shahrukh Khan debuted in 1991 and made a sensational impact with his portrayal of a cold-blooded killer in Abbas Mastan's Baazigar a year later. Today, Khan is regarded as the biggest star in Bollywood. Fans would argue the same for Salman Khan and Aamir Khan; all three stars are still dominating the box office as they approach their half century. | Cinema went into decline in the '80s mainly due to the emerging video market. Added to this was as a drop in production standards that coincided with the waning star of Bachchan and lacklustre scripts that directly resulted in the worst phase of Indian cinema. After a decade of action films, Indian cinema desperately needed a change. Mansoor Khan's Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, a film celebrating puppy love released in 1988, introduced one of today's current stars in Aamir Khan. The biggest box office hit of the year, it breathed new life into glossy teen romances shot in advertising styles. The introduction of Salman Khan followed two years later in Maine Pyar Kiya (I Have Loved) and Mahesh Bhatt's Aashiqui reignited the importance of songs within Indian cinema. Shahrukh Khan debuted in 1991 and made a sensational impact with his portrayal of a cold-blooded killer in Abbas Mastan's Baazigar a year later. Today, Khan is regarded as the biggest star in Bollywood. Fans would argue the same for Salman Khan and Aamir Khan; all three stars are still dominating the box office as they approach their half century. |
| Bradford's own romance started with the Indian film industry in 1998 when maverick filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt attended the Bite the Mango Film Festival. Since his visit, Bradford has welcomed many of Indian cinema's biggest stars. | Bradford's own romance started with the Indian film industry in 1998 when maverick filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt attended the Bite the Mango Film Festival. Since his visit, Bradford has welcomed many of Indian cinema's biggest stars. |
| I remember driving actor Anil Kapoor through the streets of Manningham on a rainy night because he was intrigued by the diverse culture Bradford offered. On another occasion I joined Amir Khan on a trip to the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth. Not only did their visits to Bradford put the city on the Bollywood map but, most importantly they helped changed perceptions after the city suffered from the seismic shock of riots and negative media coverage. | I remember driving actor Anil Kapoor through the streets of Manningham on a rainy night because he was intrigued by the diverse culture Bradford offered. On another occasion I joined Amir Khan on a trip to the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth. Not only did their visits to Bradford put the city on the Bollywood map but, most importantly they helped changed perceptions after the city suffered from the seismic shock of riots and negative media coverage. |
| Stars such as Shyam Benegal, Subhash Ghai, Amitabh Bachchan, Mahesh Bhatt, Zeba Bakhtiar, Pooja Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Om Puri, Shatrughan Sinha, Meera, Amir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Anurag Kashyap, Emraan Hashmi, Aishwarya Rai, Saira Bano and the legendary Dilip Kumar have all walked on - and enjoyed - our streets. | Stars such as Shyam Benegal, Subhash Ghai, Amitabh Bachchan, Mahesh Bhatt, Zeba Bakhtiar, Pooja Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Om Puri, Shatrughan Sinha, Meera, Amir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Anurag Kashyap, Emraan Hashmi, Aishwarya Rai, Saira Bano and the legendary Dilip Kumar have all walked on - and enjoyed - our streets. |
| But while Bradford should celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema, at the same time it should celebrate and remember its own association with the film industry. Our home is the first UNESCO City of Film. As a proud Bradfordian in a city boasting a long-standing international film festival and with the recent partnership of Bradford College and Mumbai's Whistling Woods Studio, I hope we can continue with this romance. Watch out – there will be many more megastars from the largest film industry in the world strolling the highways and byways of our city. | But while Bradford should celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema, at the same time it should celebrate and remember its own association with the film industry. Our home is the first UNESCO City of Film. As a proud Bradfordian in a city boasting a long-standing international film festival and with the recent partnership of Bradford College and Mumbai's Whistling Woods Studio, I hope we can continue with this romance. Watch out – there will be many more megastars from the largest film industry in the world strolling the highways and byways of our city. |
| Bradford-born Irfan Ajeeb, pictured here with Bachchan, was director of the City's Bite the Mango film festival 2000-2007 and now directs its successor Beyond the Mango at Reel Solutions. He Tweets at @BeyondTheMango and @Irfan_Ajeeb. | Bradford-born Irfan Ajeeb, pictured here with Bachchan, was director of the City's Bite the Mango film festival 2000-2007 and now directs its successor Beyond the Mango at Reel Solutions. He Tweets at @BeyondTheMango and @Irfan_Ajeeb. |
| You can read the first part of this look at Bradford and Bollywood, by Irna Qureshi, here. | You can read the first part of this look at Bradford and Bollywood, by Irna Qureshi, here. |
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