Hindi cinema, often referred to as Bollywood, is an integral part of Indian culture. Known for its vibrant music, colorful sets, and heart-touching stories, Bollywood has captivated audiences for over a century. Here are some fascinating Hindi movie facts that every cinema lover should know:
1. Hindi Movie Facts– The First Hindi Film
The first-ever Hindi movie was Raja Harishchandra (1913), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke. It was a silent film and is considered the foundation stone of Indian cinema. What’s interesting is that all the female roles were played by male actors because women were not allowed to act in films at that time.
2. Bollywood’s Name Origin
The term “Bollywood” is a combination of “Bombay” (now Mumbai) and “Hollywood.” It’s said to have been inspired by the term “Tollywood,” which was used for Bengali cinema. Despite the name, Bollywood produces far more films annually than Hollywood.
3. The Longest Hindi Film
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), directed by Anurag Kashyap, holds the record as one of the longest Hindi films ever made. With a runtime of 5 hours and 21 minutes, the movie was split into two parts for theatrical release.
4. The Most Expensive Bollywood Movie
As of recent years, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022) took the title of the most expensive Bollywood film, with a budget exceeding ₹400 crore (approximately $50 million). It featured stunning visual effects and a star-studded cast, including Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
5. Iconic Song Record
The classic song “Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo” from the film of the same name (2004) is one of the longest Hindi film songs ever recorded, lasting over 15 minutes. It’s a patriotic masterpiece that resonates deeply with audiences.
6. Highest-Grossing Hindi Film
The epic movie Dangal (2016), starring Aamir Khan, holds the record for the highest-grossing Hindi film worldwide. It earned over ₹2,000 crore (approximately $250 million), with a significant portion of its revenue coming from China.
7. Amitabh Bachchan’s Voice
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan’s deep and commanding voice is iconic. Interestingly, he was rejected by All India Radio early in his career because of his voice. Today, that very voice is one of the most recognized and respected in the country.
8. First Indian Film at the Oscars
Mother India (1957), directed by Mehboob Khan, was the first Indian film to be nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards. Though it didn’t win, it set a benchmark for Indian cinema on the global stage.
9. The Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai Phenomenon
Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), starring Hrithik Roshan, set a Guinness World Record for winning the most awards for a single film. It received a staggering 92 awards in various categories.
10. The Magic of Shah Rukh Khan
Known as the “King of Bollywood,” Shah Rukh Khan has a global fan base. He is one of the richest actors in the world, surpassing even some Hollywood stars. His romantic films, like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), have become timeless classics.
11. Mughal-E-Azam’s Magnificence
Mughal-E-Azam (1960) is a masterpiece that took almost 15 years to complete. Its iconic song “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya” was shot in a grand Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) set, which was crafted with Belgian glass, making it one of the most expensive sets of its time.
12. The Evergreen DDLJ
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), often referred to as DDLJ, holds the record for the longest theatrical run in Indian cinema history. The film ran for over 20 years at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theater, becoming a symbol of everlasting love.
13. Diversity in Bollywood
Bollywood is not limited to Hindi-speaking audiences. Many Bollywood films are dubbed in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and even foreign languages like Spanish and German, to cater to a global audience.
14. The Influence of Music
Music is the soul of Bollywood movies. Playback singing, where songs are pre-recorded by professional singers and lip-synced by actors, is a unique aspect of Indian cinema. Legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar have become household names through their unforgettable songs.
15. Choreography Craze
Bollywood is known for its extravagant dance numbers. The song “Radha Nachegi” from Tevar (2015) was shot with over 1,000 backup dancers, showcasing the grandeur of Indian choreography.
From timeless classics to record-breaking modern hits, Bollywood continues to evolve and enchant audiences worldwide. These facts not only highlight the rich history of Hindi cinema but also its ability to innovate and connect with diverse cultures. If you’re a Bollywood fan, these stories are just the tip of the iceberg – there’s so much more to explore in this magical world of films!
