What is Bollywood? Just like you have Hollywood in the states, India has Bollywood. It is our movie industry, versatile and dramatic. Bollywood has a charm; an aura of its own. It is incomparable and irreplaceable for any Indian, or even for anybody who has ever watched a Bollywood movie.
Often, I have people here in the states come up to me and tell me that they have watched a particular Bollywood movie, and that they absolutely loved it! I made a friend watch one during my cultural exchange to Germany and he told me that he loved it as well!
Here are five reasons why I think that everyone should go watch a Bollywood movie:
1. They are just as relatable as Hollywood movies, and more!
A lot of times when we go watch a foreign movie, we don’t know what to expect. Quite a lot of times, we expect it to be not-so-relatable or not-so-enjoyable. Trust me, no film shows better emotions or the connection of relationships like a Bollywood movie. The movie could be about a sportsperson’s journey, but Bollywood movies do such an excellent job at displaying the environment and background around that person, that even though the sportsperson won an Olympic medal, one would still end up relating to them.
2. They will give you a different perspective of India and the world. 
Bollywood movies are a whole new world to anybody that hasn’t been introduced to them earlier. They help one see India through a different lens, a more personal lens. They advocate new ideas and thoughts, and provide a different outlook on the world. India isn’t about being a third world country, because those are old ideas. That is something that Bollywood movies reflect.
3. They are a packet full of culture and tradition.
Bollywood movies are packed with the bright culture and extravagant traditions of India. Not only is it a site for the eyes to watch the talented actors perform, but a beautiful scene to watch every little glimpse of the food, color, dresses, dances, music and more! Sitting in a movie theatre, or even in your room, and watching a Bollywood movie makes one feel like they are right there in India, visiting the beautiful cities, and experiencing each emotion that the performers are going through.
4. No other movie can make you both weep and laugh like a child at the same time.
Those are the best kinds! Bollywood movies are like an emotional rollercoaster, except that they are the ones that you find yourself falling in love with. You could be crying one second, and laughing the other. Bollywood movies bring in genres and subjects that one wouldn’t even think about making a movie on, and they do a wonderful job at it!
5. And lastly...entertainment, entertainment, entertainment!
Bollywood movies are a complete entertainment package and there is no shying away from that! They deserve the $16 that you pay at the movie theatre. You are guaranteed to get a full dose of music, dance and breakthrough performances. To put it simply, your relationship with a Bollywood movie is like your relationship with chocolate. You can’t just stop at one!
So...why don’t you see for yourself now? Here are some Bollywood gems that I personally love and I hope you will love them too.
- Rang De Basanti
- Swades
- Chak De ! India
- Queen
- Margarita with a Straw
- 3 Idiots
- Airlift
- Neerja
- Mary Kom
- Namaste London
- Haider
- Black
- Kahaani
- Dil Chaahta Hai
- Barfi!
- Lagaan
- English Vinglish
- The Lunchbox
- Dil Se..
- Highway
- Piku
- Guzaarish
- Bajirao Mastani
- Dum Laga Ke Haisha
- Break ke Baad
