Birth of Bollywood and Beyond
The Hindi film industry, fondly called Bollywood, stands as a beacon of cultural richness and artistic vibrancy, captivating audiences with its mesmerising visuals and soul-stirring music amongst the global cinemas. With over 2000 movies produced annually, the industry has travelled beyond borders and cultures, indelibly making its mark in the significant film industry.
At the heart of this cinematic marvel lies the charm of Bollywood music—a blend of tradition, innovation, and emotion. From the early fandom of movies like the Shah Rukh Kan starrer Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge (DDLJ) and Devdas to the most recent Oscar-winner song from the pan-Indian movie RRR, the film industry has given the world tunes to dance to for years.
BOLLYWOOD GENESIS
The birth of Bollywood music traces back to 1931 with the release of "Alam Ara," India's first sound motion picture, which featured seven melodious tracks. This marked the dawn of a trend where music became an inevitable element of Indian cinema. Subsequent films like "Shirheen Farhad" elevated this trend, incorporating multiple song sequences akin to operatic performances, setting the stage for the musical extravaganza Bollywood would become.
Unlike conventional music industries, Bollywood music has evolved as a subsidiary of Indian cinema, embracing diverse musical styles ranging from classical ragas to contemporary pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. This versatility has enabled Bollywood music to resonate with audiences worldwide, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers as it shaped India’s international image. Bollywood single-handedly helped provide a platform for social and political commentary. They became a significant contributor to the Indian economy making up about 40% of the national income while generating employment, driving tourism and influencing industries including fashion in addition to music.
GOLDEN ERA
The golden era of Bollywood music, spanning the 1950s and 60s, saw the rise of legendary music directors such as S.D. Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan, and R.D. Burman. Their mastery in blending Indian classical music with Western influences birthed timeless melodies that continue to live through the annals of Indian cinema. The magic of the Golden times fathomed the evolution of fine camaraderie among musicians which was unparalleled as their partnership and collaboration created the finest songs and soundtracks of all time. R.D. Burman’s hit songs in the all-time loved movies "Saagar" and "Masoom" employed these techniques of infusing ragas to create the melody. The integration has henceforth lived on in various forms by embracing diverse music forms with classical Hindustani and ragas to create the Bollywood hit numbers celebrated worldwide. The best ones amongst them was the internationally recognised movie, Devdas flaunting its experimental song, "Silsila ye Chahat Ka" which gave Aishwarya Rai, the much-awaited appreciation and gifted the world, the nightingale voice of Shreya Ghoshal after the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.
WHERE TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN
As alluded, Central to the essence of Bollywood music is the incorporation of raga-based melodies, a hallmark of Indian musical tradition. By merging these traditional Indian music teachings with modern elements, Bollywood composers have crafted music that expresses the unique character of each raga, infusing depth and emotion into their creations. The ragas have each potentially been regarded with a particular emotion. The ragas namely "Hansdhwani", "Tilak", "Kamod", and "Desh" were regarded to be the labels of happiness and serenity whereas "Malkauns, "Shree", "Marwa", "Basant" to promote longing and sadness.
WHAT CREATED THE MAGIC
Traditionally dominated by instruments like the sitar and piano, Bollywood music has embraced a wide range of musical instruments. This eclectic fusion and adaptation of musical elements has created the unique magic of Bollywood. Unexpected instruments also came in the form of buildings with Indian folk homes embracing musical pillars, inspiring tunes and melodies.
The lyrics serve as more than mere accompaniments to the melody; they embody the soul of the composition, furthering the narrative of the film and evoking emotions of the cinema in the listener. Urdu poems have laid down the foundation for some of the early music. The soul-stirring lines speak for its artistic expression, taking Bollywood music to its layered structure.
THE BEYOND
Bollywood music has travelled across geographical boundaries to become a global phenomenon, celebrated for its ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and unite people across cultures with a beat. Its richness in rhythm, with the essence of Indian musical traditions, continues to enchant audiences worldwide, serving as a testament to the universal language of music.
So, the next time you immerse yourself in the catchy tunes of a Bollywood melody or just vibing to Jaleby Baby by Tesher, remember that you're not just listening to music; you're experiencing a cultural journey that celebrates the nation's beauty.