Every year on September 14th, Hindi Diwas is celebrated. But when it comes to Hindi cinema, what comes to your mind first? Perhaps most people call it Bollywood instead of Hindi cinema, which isn’t incorrect. Because Bollywood is generally known as Hindi cinema. The word ‘Bollywood’ is a mixture of ‘Bombay’ and ‘Hollywood’. As such, it is also called Bollywood besides Hindi cinema. But is Bollywood really just Hindi cinema? Certainly, the answer to this question may be different for everyone. But Bollywood is not limited to just Hindi; it has seen contributions from many languages and different cultures.
For years, Hindi films have impressed audiences. Crores of rupees are bet at the box office and have also been successful. But the way an actor’s character is changed in films. Similarly, the culture and language of that place also has to be adopted, which has been happening continuously and will continue to happen. Let us explain.
Bollywood itself is Hindi cinema? But How?
“Ze-Haal-e-Miskin Makun B-Ranjish, B-Haal-e-Hijraan Bechaara Dil Hai”… This line is from the song ‘Jihaal-e-Miskin’ from the 1985 film ‘Ghulam’. Which was written by Amir Khusro in the 13th-14th century. But later Gulzar wrote the song inspired by it. This is a popular song of the 80s, whose meaning is also very deep. This song is a mixture of Persian and Hindi. Therefore, it is said that Urdu has a very big contribution in Hindi cinema. In the 1940s-50s, the songs of many films were written in Urdu because it was the literary and cultural language of that time. So Hindi cinema is incomplete without these languages. Famous singers Sahir Ludhianvi, Kaifi Azmi popularized Urdu poetry in Hindi cinema.
2. Punjabi: Now that Urdu is mentioned, how can Punjabi be forgotten? Not only Punjabi songs, but also Punjabi culture and language have a deep impact on Bollywood. You almost see Punjabi art in films in stories and songs. You must remember the film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, which showed about Punjabi culture.
3. Bengali: Where did Bollywood get the style and depth of storytelling from? The answer to this question would be from Bengali cinema and literature. Filmmakers like Satyajit Ray have influenced Indian cinema at a global level. At the same time, Bengali songs have also been taken as inspiration in Bollywood many times.
4. Marathi: Now since Bollywood is in Mumbai, the effect of Marathi language and culture has also been seen. In fact, Marathi actors and writers are constantly working in films. Especially many Marathi films have been remade in Hindi. But language and culture cannot be changed. Like the film ‘Dhadak’ shows the influence of Marathi cinema.
5. English: When it comes to new Bollywood, the influence of English is also more visible. Hinglish (Hindi and English) songs are seen in films. Like – ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ or ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. Apart from these two films, the Hollywood way of storytelling has influenced Bollywood.
In fact, the biggest contribution in Hindi cinema has also been of the South. The influence of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema has been seen in Bollywood. Every year, many South films are remade in Hindi. At the same time, many South films are also dubbed in Hindi. Like – ‘Drishyam’, ‘Baahubali (Hindi dub) and Kabali. Apart from this, folk languages like Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, and Avadhi have also been heard in songs. Whereas, their stories have also been brought to the big screen. This is the reason why the use of many languages other than Hindi in Bollywood films is common.
There are many such films, in which you have been able to hear different cultures, dialects, and languages. However, Hindi cinema is being promoted thanks to all the contributions. People liked the stories as much as they connected a part with the local language there, and the culture there connected another part. Sometimes Bhojpuri songs were seen dancing to Punjabi, and sometimes the craze of Punjabi songs. Call it Bollywood or Hindi cinema… it is these things that make this industry beautiful.
What did they say about the changes in Bollywood?
Famous journalist Chaitanya Padukone, who closely watches the changes in Bollywood, also spoke on this. He says that the language of Bollywood is not just Hindi, but Hindustani. In most films, we see a beautiful mix of Hindi and Urdu. Many words often used in Hindi films, such as ‘Ishq’, ‘Mohabbat’, ‘Junoon’, ‘Fitoor’, and ‘Zubaan’, come from Urdu. These words give depth to the stories and make the romantic scenes even more impactful.
Furthermore, he says that not only Urdu, but the Punjabi language has also made its special place in Bollywood. Punjabi words are used in many famous songs and dialogues. Songs like ‘Laung Da Lashkara’, ‘Amber Sariya’, and ‘Aaj Teriyan Saiyaan Ne’ are proof of this.
