Bollywood is the largest film industry in the world based on the fact that its output is the highest in terms of films produced and ticket sales. So it’s no wonder that one can go to a variety of countries and/or meet a diverse group of people and hear about Shahrukh and Aishwarya. The tantalizing tentacles of Bollywood stretch far and wide, not only on the subcontinent, but also in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. One can see the actors dancing and cavorting in the cities of Greece, amidst the majestic pyramids of Egypt, or with the spectacular Burj-Al-Arab hotel of Dubai behind them. It is not uncommon for filmmakers to unfold their love songs in bright, exotic locations, but lately, some directors are going as far as setting their entire movie in a city outside of India! This deviating approach is also manifesting in the form of more western clothing, and English words in songs and dialogues.
Bollywood’s most notable departure from India is the location of a movie. It is treading the same path as Hollywood, which has been filming some of its successful shows (like Smallville and The 4400) and movies (like X-Men, and Superman Returns) in Canada and Australia. Now, one can see a foreign city as being a major presence in a bollywood movie’s plot, as in 2003’s Kal Ho Na Ho, and this year’s Anthony Kaun Hai?; which is set in Thailand. While some movies like Dil Chahta Hai, Hum Tum and Andaaz only venture to foreign countries for a part of the film, others like Salaam Namaste and Lucky-No time for Love were completely set in Australia and Russia. Even when a movie’s central plot is in India, pivotal developments occur when the stars leave the country. London, Mauritius, Dubai, Singapore and Africa are all popular film destinations to propel a story, as in No Entry, Shikhar, Golmaal and Dhoom 2. Both industries are taking advantage of tax breaks and larger studio spaces; plus, these overseas shots seem to be a lucrative box office draw in India.
Bollywood has huge audiences in the UK, US, and Canada, all of which boast large immigrant populations. So it is common now to hear the English language incorporated in dialogues and songs. Even titles are now in English, like Corporate, The Killer, and Fight Club! Lyrics like “It’s the time to Disco”, and “Kiss me Baby” have become popular party hits and are beloved by native and foreign audiences. 2005’s Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya sizzled on the charts with upbeat tunes featuring lines like “You’re the one for me, Oh Jaana, you’re mine” and “I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.” It seems that typical Hindi songs intermixed with English lyrics are fast becoming a staple for any modern, blockbuster movie, which is evident in new releases like Rocky and Jaana. The same goes for fashionable western attire.
Decades ago, heroines would set the screen afire in their saris and cholis. They were beautiful and captivating. Now, it seems the ladies live in minimal western clothing to attract the masses. Traditional Indian garb is hardly present in most modern movies targeted towards the younger generation.  Stars like Kareena, Priyanka and Bipasha have made legions of fans because of their trendy western styles. Plenty of leg and low cut shirts are all the rage for fresh faces like Tanushree Dutta and Celina Jaitley. In some movies, a sari only appears when there is an engagement or wedding scene. Though, some stars like Priyanka, Katrina Kaif and Rimii have been in scenes wearing customary western wedding dresses!
While there are movies like Devdas, Lagaan and Omkara that were entirely filmed in India, featuring completely Hindi songs, and spectacular Indian costumes, it seems some productions are jetting off to an exotic location, featuring stars in western clothing, singing English lyrics, and reminding us of the increasing western influence on Bollywood.