While Western or Hollywood films seem to specialize in intellectual themes which challenge the mind and imagination Eastern films are good at physical strength, acrobatics and martial arts Bollywood films are largely about the heart and love, about human emotions and feelings. Mahabharata and Ramayana have influenced traditional culture and performing arts in the archipelago long before being transformed into TV series in early nineties – further cementing cultural connection between the two great countries. One of the most important aspects that influence widespread Bollywood film culture in Indonesia stems from the historical influence traced back as early as first century AD in Indonesia. More films have since been imported and Indonesian TV stations also broadcast more Indian films and TV serials. The success of ‘ Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ and ‘ Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam’ was followed by the success of three notable movies ‘3 idiots’, ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and ‘ Dangal’, all of which coincidentally starred Aamir Khan. In 1998 Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (KKHH) was a huge hit across Indonesia initiating the Bollywood film fever all over the country. The older generations in Indonesia relate with the yesteryear stars like Sunil Dutt and Raj Kapoor, having grown up watching their movies on Indonesian Television.
Indian mainstream cinema has been part of Indonesia’s media culture ever since, and is loved by the masses. Not only are the dubbed Indian soap opera shows well-received, Indian actors are also being offered roles on Indonesian television shows as they enjoy celebrity status here and are huge crowd pullers.Ĭommercial Indian films were first imported into Indonesia by the allied armies in 1945, in the aftermath of Indonesia’s declaration of Independence, as entertainment for Indian troops that were part of the English contingent. Other than Bollywood cinema, Indonesians are also fond of Indian television. A mention of Shah Rukh Khan is likely to win you a new friend. I have since listened to several Indonesian music groups flawlessly singing the range of Bollywood songs at social gatherings and have been asked the meaning of ‘ Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ by Indonesians even though they knew the lyrics and could sing the song perfectly.Īny Indian who has visited Bali will be greeted in the local markets by shouts of Bollywood’s celebrity names. Soon after moving to Indonesia back in early nineties, I was hugely surprised to hear the song ‘ Saawan ka Maheena’ being sung by an Indonesian band at a party – this was my introduction to Bollywood influence in Indonesia. India’s hottest export has danced its way into the homes of fans across Indonesia’s far-flung 16000 plus islands. The popularity of these movies reaches far beyond its Indian borders. India’s Hindi language film industry, known informally as Bollywood, is the largest center of film production in the world.
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