Bollywood

From The Peopling of New York City: Indian Communities

Bollywood is the largest film producer in India and one of the largest in the world. Subsequently, these films are released internationally. One of the most popular Bollywood theaters in New York City is the Eagle Movie Theater in Jackson Heights,

which is currently playing films such as Aa Dekhen Zara. Bollywood theaters have a dual function: they allow the Indian community to keep up with current cultural phenomenon’s back home while exposing other communities in New York to Indian culture.

In addition to theaters, Bollywood films are widely available on DVD in Jackson Heights, Flushing, Murray Hill. There are a myriad of video and music stores in these neighborhoods, and many titles are available in public libraries. The video below presents an advertisement for Indian programming on Dish Network as well as promotional posters for Bollywood films.

There is also an awards show for Bollywood films that can be seen on Indian television channels, which often influences what clothes become fashionable, which in turn influences the kinds of clothing that are sold in specialty garment stores in Indian neighborhoods. Bollywood films are ubiquitous in Indian immigant comunities, playing on loops in restaurants and grocery stores. Often, one can hear a popular Bollywood song blaring from a passing car on 37th street in Jackson Heights.