Shalom Bollywood

Saturday, February 23

7 p.m.

76 minutes, English, Hindi with English subtitles

 

Full of unexpected delights, Shalom Bollywood tells of the Jewish stars that dominated early Indian cinema. When the world’s largest film industry began, it was frowned upon for Hindu and Muslim women to appear on screen. So, their roles were played by members of India’s Jewish community, Baghdadi and Bene Israel descendants who faced no taboos about performing in public. From the silent era through Bollywood’s golden age, Indian cinema icons share their highs and lows and how their careers pushed the boundaries of Indian-Jewish culture. Interviews plus rare archival footage and retro-style music and animation revive the all-singing, all-dancing, cheeky feel of a Bollywood production.