I confess, I am not only an addict, but I have become a "pusher"

[albatross]

I've sent to two bollywood DVDs to my bewildred parents and one to a friend who is a film fanatic who said "i can't believe you like this sh*t." .I will turn conversations about the dollar's exchange rate, tommorow's weather, or the final four into discussions about Ash and Madhuris' dance in Devdas.

Yes, I am a Bollywood "pusher"

[johndeeevans]

Good luck in your "Pusher" efforts.

I have been pushing Bollywood on my friends for a couple years--to very limited success:
1. I have lent my chiropractor HDDCS, KKHH, and DCH.  I gave him KHNH for Xmas.  He enjoys them, but with work and family obligations, it takes him two months to watch one three hour movie.
2. A hobby buddy of mine saw "Monsoon Wedding".  He liked it and I gave him some recommendations for further study.  He's rented three or four from Netflix, but he is not an addict.
3. A co-worker has watched 3 or 4, but she is not impressed.  She prefers vampire movies.  She has had my pirate copy of B&P for over a month.
4. Several other co-workers that I am close to are still resistant.
5. My latest effort is lending a copy of "Black" to a co-worker whose wife loves "The Miracle Worker".  Let's hope this one bears fruit.

So far none of my acquaintances has become addicted. 

[tabula rasa]

I've repeatedly dragged friends ( both in Malaysia and Brisbane ) to BW movies. I had better success in Malaysia, since some of my friends there are already a little exposed to such movies.

Here, I've been slowly trying to get two of my friends into it - one who is a serious playwright, and has the curse of watching everything from a scripted POV ( HOW can you enjoy BW like that? ) and the other is a an ex-ballerina who I think is more interested ( esply in the song and dance of course...and the costumes! ) but who lives really far away so we barely get the chance to hang out.

But recently Brisbane held a BW Film Festival, so there's hope yet!

[2hapyft]

I'm a big pusher so far I have 5 friends watching and 2 have become addicted. 

[blubells]

Good Luck with pushing!

I've been trying to push my friends into BW, the majority of them won't watch.. but I have a few who are interested.

[LilAni]

Heh heh, being a pusher is fun.

[Roj Blake]

Hehe, albratross!  Good luck to you and others.

Hmm, my own track record:

Mom -- Shown her three and a half movies.  She likes some but is not an addict.

Uncle and aunt -- Showed them Kal Ho Naa Ho at the theater.  They loved it.  They also saw "Pinjar" when I bought them the DVD.

Cousin -- She liked Kal Ho Naa Ho in the theater too.

Another uncle -- He saw Kal Ho Naa Ho in the theater too, so he bought Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and didn't like it as much.  He also bought the KHNH DVD and rewatches it quite a bit for the songs apparently.    However, his wife, my aunt (related to me on my mother's side ... this uncle is not a blood relative), refuses to watch any of the movies.

Two friends from high school -- They saw Kal Ho Naa Ho at the theater with me and both liked it.  One of them was shocked when the poster MeenaKumari (who was also there) and I did not rave about it quite as much as they did (although I would later change my mind and rave about KHNH).  Hmm ... detect a pattern as to a good intro movie? 

One other friend from high school -- We went to see Main Hoon Na at the theater.  He liked it, but thought it was just like a musical from the US.  He borrowed my KHNH DVD, but still hasn't returned it, so I guess he wasn't really hankering for more Bollywood.

Yet other friend from high school -- She saw Koi ... Mil Gaya at the theater with me and thought it was cute, but a little too violent, and derived from ET.  I lent her Saathiya on DVD and she didn't like it -- thought it was too lovey-dovey.  We watched Kal Ho Naa Ho together on DVD and she didn't really like it until the second half, but was never moved to tears or huge laughter.  We saw Kisna in the theater and she liked it except for some of the repeition in the second half, the values of the ending, and the English song; being white herself, she was amused by all the talk of the "white girl".  Overall I think she has a positive impression of Bollywood.     

One former roommate -- She saw Devdas in the theater and didn't like it much -- thought the character Devdas was too "macho".  She saw Hum Tum in the theater and liked it.  She did not like Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai on DVD, thinking it was too glossy and commercial.

Another former roommate -- She saw Kal Ho Naa Ho and Hum Tum in the theater and liked both.  She bought a bunch of Bollywood movies after this -- not sure if she's seen them yet.  She has expressed interest in seeing another Bollywood movie.

Former coworker -- Watched Taal when I lent it to him on DVD, and liked it (except for the Coke), but his girlfriend didn't.


So I guess there's no other "addict", but still I've been mildly successful in getting one person (one of the former roommates) to explore Bollywood further without my suggesting it.


I'm now working on a coworker ...

[albatross]

Hehe, albratross!  Good luck to you and others.


So I guess there's no other "addict", but still I've been mildly successful in getting one person (one of the former roommates) to explore Bollywood further without my suggesting it.


I'm now working on a coworker ...

Well glad to hear I am not alone!  I am thinking I might have better sucess with swades, as it has a more *serious* theme but keeps the spirit which I think endears most of us to bw. Not to mention some great music.

Funny, people who know me are kind of shocked at my new passion, since I am usually mouthing off about art or politics and other 'serious' topics. I try to explain to people BW is 'serious' as it reminds me of one of the most important things of all.. the joy of life.

[Anamika]

Here, I've been slowly trying to get two of my friends into it - one who is a serious playwright, and has the curse of watching everything from a scripted POV ( HOW can you enjoy BW like that? ) ...

I laughed at that because it reminds me of myself, watching everything from a filmmaker POV (my friends complained so much about my comments at every film, like "wow, they must have used a huge camera crane"; "that special effect looked really cheap, have you seen how it shuttered?" or "why did they make this cut so late?" etc., that I really had to train myself to shut up about that sort of thing).

My own pushing efforts are unsuccessful so far. But I still have hopes for one friend who likes Indian music; maybe I can coax him to watch a BW movie with me one day. They are just so very rare in the cinemas here.

[first light]

I've sent to two bollywood DVDs to my bewildred parents and one to a friend who is a film fanatic who said "i can't believe you like this sh*t."

Thats the response i get from most of my friends. The only way i can convert anyone is by making them watch John Abraham movies. I get endless taunts about bollywood!

I definetly push, with little luck though!

[albatross]

Here, I've been slowly trying to get two of my friends into it - one who is a serious playwright, and has the curse of watching everything from a scripted POV ( HOW can you enjoy BW like that? ) ...

I laughed at that because it reminds me of myself, watching everything from a filmmaker POV

I tell my serious 'filmmaker' type friends that its sort of like going into a chinese resturuant:: don't expect to order a hamburger.   However dhola re dhola (sp?) from Devdas never fails to impress as an example of outstanding directing, choerography, editing and cinenmatography.

[Totally Basmatic!]

I made Fireball the Bollywood addict she is today. I've created a monster!

[tabula rasa]

Here, I've been slowly trying to get two of my friends into it - one who is a serious playwright, and has the curse of watching everything from a scripted POV ( HOW can you enjoy BW like that? ) ...

I laughed at that because it reminds me of myself, watching everything from a filmmaker POV (my friends complained so much about my comments at every film, like "wow, they must have used a huge camera crane"; "that special effect looked really cheap, have you seen how it shuttered?" or "why did they make this cut so late?" etc., that I really had to train myself to shut up about that sort of thing).

My own pushing efforts are unsuccessful so far. But I still have hopes for one friend who likes Indian music; maybe I can coax him to watch a BW movie with me one day. They are just so very rare in the cinemas here.

Oh dear! What a way to watch BW! I'll admit, when my playwright friend and I watch regular Hollywood, or some European/Asian films, we take it pretty seriously as writers...its almost like, its a challenge to us to see if the movie is good enough to make us forget the script sense and just enjoy it 'as a movie'. And afterwards, of course, there'll be long dissections over coffee.

But personally, having grown up on Indian movies, I doubt the same is applicable. BW movies are made with heart, and I believe is supposed to be viewed from the heart. That's the reason why I think Indian filmmakers don't really bother about minor things like logic and reason...for that's the opposite of emotion, and BW is really good at that!

Like my ex-ballerina friend commented after watching Kal Ho Na ho in the recent Bollywood film festival....its bang on when portraying love...something many HW romantic movies lack. According to her.

And my playwright friend does agree that he should not get too jaded as to lose the magic of movies...which is why I think, though he cringes through some of the scenes, he's still forcing himself to be open to it. I also feel I might've made some bad intro movie choices...DDLJ ( which is great but looks a trifle dated ) and DCH. He saw the first half of Kal Ho Na Ho, and wants to finish it. I want to show him Devdas and K3G next.

[Anamika]

Oh dear! What a way to watch BW! I'll admit, when my playwright friend and I watch regular Hollywood, or some European/Asian films, we take it pretty seriously as writers...its almost like, its a challenge to us to see if the movie is good enough to make us forget the script sense and just enjoy it 'as a movie'. And afterwards, of course, there'll be long dissections over coffee.

But personally, having grown up on Indian movies, I doubt the same is applicable. BW movies are made with heart, and I believe is supposed to be viewed from the heart. That's the reason why I think Indian filmmakers don't really bother about minor things like logic and reason...for that's the opposite of emotion, and BW is really good at that!

Like my ex-ballerina friend commented after watching Kal Ho Na ho in the recent Bollywood film festival....its bang on when portraying love...something many HW romantic movies lack. According to her.

And my playwright friend does agree that he should not get too jaded as to lose the magic of movies...which is why I think, though he cringes through some of the scenes, he's still forcing himself to be open to it. I also feel I might've made some bad intro movie choices...DDLJ ( which is great but looks a trifle dated ) and DCH. He saw the first half of Kal Ho Na Ho, and wants to finish it. I want to show him Devdas and K3G next.

Don't worry, I am no cynic; and I would not love BW films if they didn't touch me emotionally, so most of the time I can identify with the story and totally forget the cranes and cuts. Strangely I can still remember the details later - it happens on another level somehow (I went to a Hollywood film tonight, "Kinsey", which I enjoyed very much, but I still noticed the style elements, camera work etc.).

And I agree with your ex-ballerina friend. BW is all about emotions - love and friendship (but also pride, doubt, conflict and fear) in a direct and very human way many HW movies lack. As do most European movies. In fact, this quality is what I find especially endearing about BW films, they are like the fairytales of my childhood - I can forget everything around me. Whether you call it escapism or just today's version of "Tales of 1001 Nights", the magic works just fine...

About intro movies - I know (since you wrote it somewhere in this forum) that DDLJ is your favourite, but for me (sorry!!!) it's not one of the best. I think if you don't have a long-time Bollywood background (which I don't have as a newcomer), you just can't see why it is/was so special. From a storytelling/scripting view I liked DCH better, I might have chosen it as an intro film, too.

Tonight I decided to try and "push" the friend who went to watch "Kinsey" with me, towards BW films.  I'll try Veer-Zaara as intro film with her; as soon as there's a German translation for it. Then perhaps DCH and Asoka or Swades; maybe also Devdas or Dil Se. But not necessarily K3G (although I have the German DVD of it). The story of K3G is good, also the music and cast; but for long stretches it seems like a BW cartoon to me; everything is over the top - too showy, big or stylish - like something out of a glamour magazine, not about real people. That attitude makes it difficult to identify with the figures in that film (for me at least).

Still, I'm curious what your playwright friend thinks about the films you show him. Good luck!

Good luck for all the other "pushers" as well. Keep trying!

[SRKismyhero]

hehe.....the pushers unite!!!!

I'm successfully converted many of my friends and I'm proud to say that one of my friends has turned into the biggest Kajol and Abhi fan out there. She was amazed by Kajol's performances in DDLJ and KKHH and just can't get over Abhi in KNK!!! She makes us BW lover's soooo proud!!!

[Khubsurat]

I am soooooooooo a pusher...even have an I Love Bollywood sticker on my auto!

[Chirpy_Sabz]

haha...I have never tired pushing!!

  maybe I should ...

[SRKismyhero]

I am soooooooooo a pusher...even have an I Love Bollywood sticker on my auto!

whoa! that's soo cool! where'd you get that? I want one...............once I get my permit (and its another 5 months until September !!)

haha...I have never tired pushing!!

  maybe I should ...

you should! at first your friends might think that you're out of your mind, but its worth it at the end!!

[GreenBear]

I am a pusher. I always show some to my Mom and Dad when I visit (they are familiar with BW because they grew up in USSR). Showed them DDLJ, bit of KHNH, Hum Tum and Chalte Chalte. They liked, but not enough to seek out more. However, they always enjoy. My Dad makes snide comments and watches to the end

I got my cousins to like them (though not to the addict level). We had a BW party where I brought K3G and my two cousins, their friend, Uncle and Aunt had a good time (though some of it was because of mocking over-the-topness). And I showed DDLJ, KKHH and Devdas at one point or another to my cousins. Plus, I took one of them to see DNJAK in the theater with me. They like it, but no addiction which is OK

A friend on mine saw KKHH and thought it was uber-cheese.

My husband likes them in moderation (which is good for his sanity, since he lives with me). 

Being a pusher is hard work.

[Chirpy_Sabz]

The biggest issue is thinking of what films I am gonna show them 

[Roj Blake]

The biggest issue is thinking of what films I am gonna show them 

Yeah, this is a struggle for me too.  I don't want to show a movie that I personally do not like that much -- but then, that rules out a lot of the often-cited intro movies (such as Devdas, DDLJ, DCH).

[GreenBear]

I can sympathize with the dilemma, Jim.

Luckily, my taste more often than not corresponds with the "recommended intro list" but it's really hard to decide what movie is good for which person. One person's "emotional saga" is another's "silly over-the-top bore," and one's "hard-hitting look at society" is another's "preachy snorefest." It's really hard to be able to tell.   

[albatross]

I can sympathize with the dilemma, Jim.

Luckily, my taste more often than not corresponds with the "recommended intro list" but it's really hard to decide what movie is good for which person. One person's "emotional saga" is another's "silly over-the-top bore," and one's "hard-hitting look at society" is another's "preachy snorefest." It's really hard to be able to tell.   

Very true. Its kind of like match making .. I try to think of things that would appeal to the indvidual i am trying to 'convert', but a really strong factor which I didnt'think about is the personality of the actors. If one appeals to you, even if its a bad film you'll probably be intriqued and want to see more.

[paok]

Many thanks to all the pushers and from me personally to Artichoke,Vera and others.
Their info on BW DVDs n Paris helped me convert my older sister there.
So,i was just informed.Now she can't gett enough of Sharukh,Salman,Saif,Abhishek and
Aamir.
I told her to wait till she watches John,Arjun and co

[Arwen]

My most successful cases :

My first victim was one of my best friends. She is a very open minded and I didn`t had to choose a film for her, because she took about 6 movies from me (Devdas, KKHH, DDLJ, Jism...) and gave them 2 weeks later back with the words: more from John Abraham and Kajol, please...

I´m quite good at pushing. I took another very good friend to the Temptation concert, and now she is addicted, too (she likes Salman, Arjun and SRK), and also her to sisters. Her younger sister has watched KKHH about 15 times in a month. They are fast learners, they already can sing all of the songs from their favourite movies, without reading the lyrics!

Lately my mum started to watch Bollywood movies with me.

Women are much easier to convince than men IMO.