Art & Culture Of Our India





The wonderful amalgam of a variety of cultures and traditions is the unique feature of our country India. These diverse cultures and traditions have been attained from ancient times and are relevant to date. People visiting India from foreign countries also get fascinated by the diversity of Indian art and culture.

The art and culture represent the beauty of the place. Art is a way of representing one's thoughts, emotions, and creativity. It is a way to represent our perspective towards the society. It helps people to better know the culture of others. Culture refers to the characteristics that a group of people have followed since the past. Different people are connected to each other due to art and culture. Art and culture reduce the chances of social isolation. Art and culture teach us to spread love and respect. Art and culture generate understanding between the peoples. Today people are differ in their thoughts but united by their art and culture.

The different cultures and traditions in different states of India give a beautiful view of its rich cultural heritage and diversity. These cultures and traditions are age-old practices that are being followed by the people in our nation. People in this generation also have been following the ancient people’s cultures and traditions.

Everybody is known of the fact that India is blessed with great cultural diversity. Despite this, the people in this nation live peacefully with love and unity. It is because of the different age-old cultures that teach us humanity, respect for our elders, love, and unity among all. The people living in India are not having hatred with the people of other religions instead they respect the people following different cultures and traditions.

India has a rich culture and that has become our identity. Be it in religion, art, intellectual achievements, or performing arts, it has made us a colorful, rich, and diverse nation.

Dance Forms

Dance is a series of movements and steps that match the speed and rhythm of music. It is an artistic accompanied by gestures and expressions which explain the theme contained in the music. One can dance alone or with a partner or in a group. Rhythm and movements are basic to dance. India has rich cultural tradition. Dance is a part of our rich cultural heritage. It is as varied as the land itself. it has an underlying unity which binds the people of the country to gather. The dances of India are an expression of an ancient civilization. Dance in India has an unbroken tradition of over 2000 years. Its themes are derived from mythology legends and classical literature. There are two main forms of dances in India. These are folk dance and classical dance. They are not simply them movement of legs and arms but of the whole body.

The classical dances of India are usually spiritual in content whereas the main force behind the folk dances of India is the celebratory mood. Dances are a form of coherent expression of human feelings .these dances are not only the exclusive art of a particular community but an asset to India cultural heritage.


Classical Dance Forms

Most of the classical dances were first conceived and nurtured in the temples. They attained their full stature there. Classical dance forms are based on ancient dance discipline. They have rigid rules of presentation. Indian classical dances follow the principles and rules laid down by Bharat Muni and his Natyashastra many ages ago. There are 180 styles of Indian temples.

Here are six of the most important classical dance forms of India.

Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It traces its origins back to the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on theatre written by the mythic priest Bharata. Originally a temple dance for women, bharatanatyam often is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions. It was not commonly seen on the public stage until the 20th century. The dance movements are characterized by bent legs, while feet keep rhythm. Hands may be used in a series of mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, to tell a story.

Kathakali
Kathakali comes from southwestern India, around the state of Kerala. Like bharatanatyam, kathakali is a religious dance. It draws inspiration from the Ramayana and stories from Shaiva traditions. Kathakali is traditionally performed by boys and men, even for female roles. The costumes and makeup are especially elaborate, with faces made to look like painted masks and enormous headdresses.

Kathak
A dance of northern India, Kathak is often a dance of love. It is performed by both men and women. The movements include intricate footwork accented by bells worn around the ankles and stylized gestures adapted from normal body language. It was originated by Kathakas, professional storytellers who used a mixture of dance, song, and drama. Like other Indian dances it began as a temple dance, but soon moved into the courts of ruling houses.

Manipuri
Manipuri comes from Manipur in northeastern India. It has its roots in that state’s folk traditions and rituals, and often depicts scenes from the life of the god Krishna. Unlike some of the other, more rhythmic dances, Manipuri is characterized by smooth and graceful movements. Female roles are especially fluid in the arms and hands, while male roles tend to have more forceful movements. The dance may be accompanied by narrative chanting and choral singing.

Kuchipudi
Unlike the other styles mentioned, kuchipudi requires talent in both dancing and singing. This dance, from the state of Andhra Pradesh in southeastern India, is highly ritualized, with a formalized song-and-dance introduction, sprinkling of holy water, and burning of incense, along with invocations of goddesses. Traditionally the dance was performed by men, even the female roles, although now it is predominantly performed by women.

Odissi
Odissi is indigenous to Orissa in eastern India. It is predominantly a dance for women, with postures that replicate those found in temple sculptures. Based on archaeological findings, odissi is belived to be the oldest of the surviving Indian classical dances. Odissi is a very complex and expressive dance, with over fifty mudras (symbolic hand gestures) commonly used.

Folk Dance Forms

Folk dance is a traditional dance of the common people of a region. Indian folk dances have relatively greater free play expression of feelings emotions and sentiments than classical forms. The theme is connected with the performer life daily activities and the environment. The theme is also derived from nature in its various moods and seasons. Folk dances imbibe new influence and at the same maintain tradition and continuity.

Here are some of the most important folk dance forms of India.

Garba
Garba is a form of dance which originates from the state of Gujarat in India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha. Many traditional garbas are performed around a centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti. Traditionally, it is performed during the nine-day Indian festival Navarātrī.

Dandiya Ras
Raas or Dandiya Raas is the socio-religious folk dance originating from Indian state of Gujarat and popularly performed in the festival of Navaratri. The dance is performed in the Marwar region of Rajasthan too. The etymology of Dandiya-Raas is in Sanskrit.

Phag
Faag or Phaag dance is a popular folk dance form of Haryana. This folk dance is performed by the agricultural community of Haryana. Phag dance is celebrated primarily in the months of February and March. These months fall in Falgun month in the Hindu calendar, which has lent its name to the dance.

Bhangra
Bhangra is a type of traditional folk dance of Punjab, originating in the Sialkot area of Punjab, Pakistan. It is done in the season of harvesting. According to Manual, bhangra is especially associated with the vernal Vaisakhi festival.

Giddha
Giddha is a popular folk dance of women in the Punjab region. The dance is often considered derived from the ancient dance known as the ring dance and is just as energetic as bhangra; at the same time it manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance and flexibility.

Bihu
Bihu is a set of three important Assamese festivals in the Indian state of Assam – 'Rongali' or 'Bohag Bihu' observed in April, 'Kongali' or 'Kati Bihu' observed in October, and 'Bhogali' or 'Magh Bihu' observed in January. The Rongali Bihu is the most important of the three, celebrating spring festival.


Musical Forms

India is a country known for its unity in diversity and different types of indian music styles. India is made up of innumerable and varied cultures that inhabit various regions of the country. In every region of the India, there is different type of indian music which makes it different from other countries. Though this country is made up of Twenty Nine States, each one having its own mother tongue, culture, traditions, types of indian music styles and art forms, these states have varied regional cultures.

Types of Indian Music includes multiple varieties of Punjabi Music, classical music, folk music, filmi, Indian rock, and Indian pop. India‘s classical music tradition, including Hindustani music and Carnatic, has a history spanning millennia and developed over several areas. Music in India began as an integral part of socio-religious life.


Classical Music

Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical(religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period. Indian classical music continues to gain tremendously in popularity in the West and is now taught widely. In addition to many opportunities to learn it at universities or in specialized instruction, more general resources are appearing.

Hindustani Music
The convention of Hindustani music goes back to Vedic occasions where the hymns in the Sama Veda, an old religious content, were sung as Samagana and not recited. It separated from Carnatic music around the thirteenth fourteenth hundreds of years CE, principally because of Islamic influences.[citation needed] Developing a solid and various custom more than a few centuries, it has contemporary conventions set up essentially in India yet in addition in Pakistan and Bangladesh. As opposed to Carnatic music, the other primary Indian old style music convention starting from the South, Hindustani music was not just affected by antiquated Hindu melodic customs, chronicled Vedic way of thinking and local Indian sounds yet additionally improved by the Persian execution practices of the Mughals. Traditional classifications are dhrupad, dhamar, khyal, tarana and sadra, and there are additionally a few semi-old style structures.

Carnatic Music
Carnatic music can be followed to the fourteenth – fifteenth hundreds of years AD and from that point. It began in South India during the standard of the Vijayanagar Empire. Like Hindustani music, it is melodic, with ad libbed varieties, however will in general have progressively fixed sytheses. Around 300 ragams are being used today. Annamayya is the principal known author in Carnatic music. He is generally viewed as the Andhra Pada kavitā Pitāmaha (Godfather of Telugu melody composing). Purandara Dasa is viewed as the dad of Carnatic music, while the later artists Tyagaraja, Shyama Shastry, and Muthuswami Dikshitar are viewed as the trinity of Carnatic music.

Folk Music

Music has always been an important aspect in the lives of Indian people. India’s rich cultural diversity has greatly contributed to various forms of folk music. Almost every region in India has its own folk music, which reflects the way of life. From the peppy bhangra of Punjab to Garba of Gujarat to Bhavageete of Karnataka, the tradition of folk music in India is indeed great. Folk music is closely associated with farming and other such professions and evolved to alleviate the hardship and break the monotony of the routine life. Even though folk music lost its popularity with the advent of contemporary music like pop and rap, but no traditional festival or celebration is complete without folk music.

Bhangra & Giddha
Bhangra is a type of move situated people music of Punjab. The present melodic style is gotten from non-conventional melodic backup to the riffs of Punjab called by a similar name. The female move of Punjab district is known as Giddha.

Bihu of Assam
Bihu is the celebration of New Year of Assam falling in mid-April. This is a celebration of nature and mother earth where the main day is for the dairy animals and wild oxen. The second day of the celebration is for the man. Bihu moves and melodies joined by conventional drums and wind instruments are a basic piece of this celebration. Bihu tunes are enthusiastic and with beats to respect the happy spring.

Dandiya or Raas
Dandiya or Raas is a type of Gujarati social move that is performed with sticks. The present melodic style is gotten from the conventional melodic backup to the people move. It is rehearsed essentially in the territory of Gujarat. There is likewise another kind of move and music related with Dandiya/Raas called Garba.

Jhumair and Domkach
Jhumair and Domkach are Nagpuri society music. The melodic instruments utilized in people music and move are Dhol, Mandar, Bansi, Nagara, Dhak, Shehnai, Khartal, Narsinga and so forth.

Lavani
Lavani originates from the word Lavanya which signifies “excellence”. This is one of the most well known types of move and music that is rehearsed all over Maharashtra. It has, truth be told, turned into an important piece of the Maharashtrian people move exhibitions. Customarily, the tunes are sung by female specialists, yet male craftsmen may at times sing Lavanis. The move configuration related with Lavani is known as Tamasha. Lavani is a mix of customary tune and move, which especially performed to the captivating thumps of ‘Dholaki’, a drum-like instrument. The move is performed by appealing ladies wearing nine-yard saris. They are sung in a fast beat. Lavani started in the bone-dry district of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Rajasthan
Rajasthan has a differing social gathering of artist ranks, including Langas, Sapera, Bhopa, Jogi and Manganiyar (lit. “the ones who ask/ask”). Rajasthan Diary cites it as a deep, full-throated music with agreeable decent variety. The songs of Rajasthan originate from an assortment of instruments. The stringed assortment incorporates the Sarangi, Ravanahatha, Kamayacha, Morsing and Ektara. Percussion instruments come in all shapes and sizes from the colossal Nagaras and Dhols to the small Damrus.

Sufi Rock
Sufi people shake contains components of present day hard shake and conventional society music with Sufi verse. While it was spearheaded by groups like Junoon in Pakistan it turned out to be famous, particularly in north India. In 2005, Rabbi Shergill discharged a Sufi shake tune called “Bulla Ki Jaana”, which turned into a diagram topper in India and Pakistan. All the more as of late, the sufi society shake tune “Bulleya” from the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil turned into a mammoth hit.

Uttarakhandi Music
Uttarakhandi people music had its root in the lap of nature and the uneven landscape of the locale. Basic topics in the society music of Uttarakhand are the magnificence of nature, different seasons, celebrations, religious conventions, social practices, people stories, authentic characters, and the fortitude of predecessors. The society melodies of Uttarakhand are an impression of the social legacy and the manner in which individuals live their lives in the Himalayas. Melodic instruments utilized in Uttarakhand music incorporate the Dhol, Damoun, Hudka, Turri, Ransingha, Dholki, Daur, Thali, Bhankora and Masakbhaja.

Filmi Music

The greatest type of Indian prominent music is filmi or tunes from Indian movies, it makes up 72% of the music deals in India. The film business of India bolstered music by concurring respect to old-style music while using western coordination to help Indian tunes. Music authors, similar to R. D. Burman, Shankar Jaikishan, S. D. Burman, Madan Mohan, Bhupen Hazarika, Naushad Ali, O. P. Nayyar, Hemant Kumar, C. Ramchandra, Salil Chowdhury, Kalyanji Anandji, Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, Jatin Lalit, Anu Malik, Nadeem-Shravan, Harris Jayaraj, Himesh Reshammiya, Vidyasagar, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Salim-Sulaiman, Pritam, M.S. Viswanathan, K. V. Mahadevan, Ghantasala and S. D. Batish utilized the standards of concordance while holding an old-style and people season. Rumored names in the space of Indian traditional music like Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan, Ali Akbar Khan, and Ram Narayan have likewise made music for movies. Customarily, in Indian movies, the voice for the tunes isn’t given by the on-screen characters, they are given by the expert playback vocalists, to sound increasingly created, musical and deep, while entertainers lipsynch on the screen. Before, just a bunch of vocalists gave the voice in Hindi movies. These incorporate Kishore Kumar, K. J. Yesudas, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, T.M. Soundararajan, Hemant Kumar, Manna Dey, P. Susheela, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, K.S. Chitra, Geeta Dutt, S. Janaki, Shamshad Begum, Suraiya, Noorjahan and Suman Kalyanpur. Late playback artists incorporate Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Kailash Kher, Alisha Chinai, KK, Shaan, Madhushree, Shreya Ghoshal, Nihira Joshi, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Hariharan (vocalist), Ilaiyaraaja, A.R. Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh, Kunal Ganjawala, Anu Malik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Anushka Manchanda, Raja Hasan, Arijit Singh and Alka Yagnik. Musical gangs like Indus Creed, Indian Ocean, Silk Route and Euphoria have increased mass intrigue with the coming of link music TV.

Indian Pop Music

Indian popular music depends on an amalgamation of Indian society and old-style music, and present-day beats from various pieces of the world. Popular music truly began in the South Asian area with the playback artist Ahmed Rushdi’s melody ‘Ko Korina’ in 1966, pursued at first by Mohammad Rafi in the late 1960s and after that by Kishore Kumar in the mid-1970s. From that point onward, quite a bit of Indian Pop music originates from the Indian Film Industry, and until the 1990s, a couple of artists like Usha Uthup, Sharon Prabhakar, and Peenaz Masani outside it were well known. From that point forward, pop artists in the last gathering have included Daler Mehndi, Baba Sehgal, Alisha Chinai, KK, Shantanu Mukherjee a.k.a. Shaan, Sagarika, Colonial Cousins (Hariharan, Leslie Lewis), Lucky Ali, and Sonu Nigam, and music writers like Zila Khan or Jawahar Wattal, who made top-selling collections with, Daler Mehndi, Shubha Mudgal, Baba Sehgal, Shweta Shetty, and Hans Raj Hans.


Paintings

India has its own identity of rich cultural diversity and is well reflected in the charm of its enchanting folk arts and crafts. Marvellous painting styles are prevalent across various regions, representing the tradition, customs, and beliefs expressed from one generation to another. Most of the Indian painting styles existed as cloth paintings, wall paintings, or murals and with the passing of time; urban sprawl transformed these art forms on canvas, paper, etc. Indian painting styles are not just a contemplation of the primeval lifestyle but a perfect example of artistic expression through simple yet distinct compositions.

Below are some of the most popular Indian folk painting styles.

Madhubani Painting

Madhubani paintings are the most celebrated style of folk painting from India; it is a form of wall art that arises in the Mithila region of Bihar. This eye-catching art style never fails to amaze one by its beautiful illustrations on the exposed interior walls of the houses in Bihar. Madhubani paintings are a perfect example of artistic expression and evocative portrayal of culture and traditions. The designs make perfectly distinctive geometrical patterns, scenes from mythology, and symbolic images. The perfect blend of bright vibrant colours and unique patterns make Madhubani stand out from other painting styles. Katchni, Tantrik, Bharni, Khobar, and Godna are five different styles of Madhubani paintings. Lalita Devi and Bua Devi are National Award winning artists for Madhubani artworks from India.

Warli Painting

Warli is a 2500-year-old traditional painting style from Maharashtra majorly practiced in Thane and Nashik region. Warli paintings illustrate the nature and social rituals of the tribe. Warli paintings also showcase day-to-day life scenarios of the local people of that particular community just like dancing, farming, hunting, praying, etc. The local women used twigs to draw such beautiful lively designs with rice paste on mud walls to convey the celebration vibes of harvests or weddings. Jivya Soma Mashe is a Padma shri honoured artist for her traditional tribal artwork from India.

Kalighat Painting

The Kalighat painting was discovered around the mid-19th century at Kali Temple in Calcutta. These paintings and drawings were done on paper by a community known as "patuas". A Kalighat painting depicts scenes of everyday life and mythological deities in a captivating manner. Kalighat artists use subtle earthy Indian colours like indigo, ochre, Indian red, grey, blue and white. Anwar Chitrakar is a National Award winner recipient for Kalighat artworks from India.

Phad painting

Phad is a traditional Rajasthani scroll painting from India, depicting the stories of local deities, heroic figures from battlefields, adventure stories, and legendary romantic stories on horizontal cloth scrolls with the hues of red, yellow, and bright orange. Phad Painting marvellously portrays multiple stories in a single composition and beautifully maintains the aesthetics of artistic expression. Shri. Shantilal Joshi is a National award winning artist for establishing this impeccable Phad paintings and artworks.

Miniature Painting

Miniature painting is Mughal influenced art form; this style was introduced in India during the 16th century and transformed its identity in the history of Indian art. Miniature paintings are a blend of Islamic, Persian, and Indian elements. These paintings are created using all-natural mineral colours, precious stones, conch shells, gold, and silver. Across India, the miniature style painting has developed its own identity into distinct schools of miniature paintings like Kangra, Rajasthan, Malwa, Pahadi, Mughal, Deccan, etc. Gopal Prasad Sharma is an National award winning artist for miniature style artwork from India.

Gond Painting

Gond paintings are a series of arranged dots and dashes developed by the Gondi tribe of central India. The tribes used to recreate some famous epic mythological tales of histories to traditional songs and rituals with rich detailing and bright colours. Traditionally, the colours used for gond paintings were derived from natural resources like cow dung, plant sap, charcoal, coloured soil, mud, flowers, leaves, etc. With growing times, the Gond art has moved beyond being a tribal art style. Bhajju Shyam is a National award winning artist from Madhya Pradesh for this Gond style artwork.

Kerala Murals

Kerala mural paintings are the most unique art form and have deep spiritual roots depicting themes of Hindu mythologies, epics of the bye-gone era, classic tales of Krishna, and mystic forms of Shiva and Shakti. These traditional art styles are made up of bold strokes, and vivid colours. White, ochre-red, bluish-green, yellow-ochre, and pure colours are predominantly used in Kerala mural painting. Achutan Ramchandran Nair was honoured with Padma Bhushan for his outstanding Mural artwork contribution towards the art world.

Patachitra painting

Patachitra is a traditional art form from Odisha. Patachitra paintings are mostly derived from mythological and religious themes done beautifully with bold, strong outlines, vibrant colors like white, red yellow, and black with decorative borders. This artwork is admired by art lovers across the world and Sharat Kumar Sahu is an National Award winning Patachitra artist who traced this traditional artform internationally.

Pichwai painting

Picchwai artwork was made as wall hangings behind the main deity in Krishna temples in Nathdwara which narrates the stories related to Lord Krishna. Picchwais are the most colorful and intricate work concealed with symbolism in the artistic motifs. This classified devotional art practice has passed from one generation to another and a fine example of spirituality in art. Kalyan Mal Sahu is a national award recipient in 2011 for his splendid contribution towards Pichwai art.

Dresses

The statement "India is a diverse country" is best portrayed by the diversity in dresses worn by Indian men and women. Particularly, the vividly colourful garments worn by Indian women are feast to watch during festive seasons. A visitor to India is perplexed by the variety and may wonder if there is something of a national dress for Indians.

Here is a brief compilation of different apparel worn in various regions of India:

Sari/Saree

Sari is an unstitched cloth of 4-9 metres length and 1 metre breadth. It is the most universal female garment worn across the Indian subcontinent right from Pakistan to Bangladesh. However, the style of wearing sari and the traditional designs vary a lot. The half-saris for teenagers, the backless cholis of Rajasthani women, the heavy gold zari brocaded silk sari of Kanchipuram, army women with their sari uniform and half-sleeve shirt, etc.

Region - All over India

Ghagra Choli

Ghagra Choli is a traditional clothing for women consisting of long skirt (Ghagra), a tight-fitting blouse (Choli) and a thick veil to cover the head (Odhani).

Region - Rajasthan, Gujarat

Design - Intricately embroidered with folk art patterns and mirror work.

Salwar Kameez

Salwar Kameez is a customary wear for women comprising a loose pyjama with pleats (salwar) that narrows at the ankles, topped by a tight-fitting tunic (kameez) and a thin veil (dupatta). Also known as 'Punjabi suit, but not to be confused with 'Churidaar'.

Region - Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh

Design - Kameez is embroidered at the neck and arms, but the rest is mostly plain.

Churidar Kurta

Churidar is a unisexual version of salwar that is loose up to knees and then fits the calf below. Kurta is an intricately patterned tunic worn on top along with a dupatta (thin veil). The Kurtas are worn by men as well but they are different in design and fitting.

Region - Across North India

Design - Kameez is intricately embroidered with folk art patterns.

Pattu Pavadai/ Langa davani

This skirt and blouse garment worn by teenagers is named differently in different South Indian regions: Langa Voni in Telugu, Langa davani in Kannada and Pattu Pavadai in Tamil. The half-sari facilitates the transition from the childhood paavadai (skirt) sattai (blouse) to the sari worn by adult women.

Region - Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamilnadu

Design - The festive occasion dress will have gold zari border, the dress for everyday use will be plain.

Dhoti/ Lungi

This sarong-like traditional attire is mainly worn by rural men in India. Various regions have different names: Mundu in Kerala, Dhotar in Marathi, Pancha in Telugu, Panche in Kannada, Veshti in Tamil, and Lungi elsewhere.

Region - South and East India

Design-It is a plain wrap-around made of white or colour strip of cloth of around 6 feet length and 3 feet breadth. It is held in place by a style of wrapping or with a belt.

Sherwani

It is a long coat created by a fusion of Indian salwar kameez and the British frock coat. Sherwani is worn along with Churidar, tight fitting pants. This dress is mainly worn on festive occasions.

Region - Across North India

Design A Sherwani usually has a heavily embroidered jacket that usually sports exposed buttons, which goes up to the knees.

Kurta Pyjama

It is a two-piece garment consisting of a collarless long shirt (Kurta) and a loose-fitting thin trouser (Pyjama) that is fitted with drawstring waistbands. It is mainly made of cotton and used both at home and outdoor purpose. Men can wear a Nehru jacket on top of the Kurta.

Region - Across North India

Design-Typically the top (Kurta) will have minimal embroidery around the neck while the Pyjama is plain.


Cinema

Cinema is in today’s world the most popular means of entertainment. Millions of people watch cinema everyday all over the world not only as a means of entertainment, but also as an escape from the monotony, boredom, anxiety and troubles of life. It is a restful, pleasurable and entertaining way of rewinding and relaxing after a long day’s work. All the senses are captivated while viewing cinema and the next two and a half or three hours are spent in a wink.


Indian cinema has a charm, flavour and magic of its own. It appeals not only to the film-crazy Indian public but also enchants a large number of audiences the world over. People who do not speak or understand Hindi still sing songs from Hindi films. An average Indian film is longer than films from other parts of the world, has a ginger-touch of love, hate, revenge, drama, tears, joys and also its own share of songs and dances. A typical Indian film has it all—all the spice and variety of life condensed into it, transporting the audience on a magic carpet to a totally different world where everything and anything is possible.

Down the years, cinema in India has reached its own destination, created its own history, touched its own milestones. From stereotyped love stories to action, to drama, to realistic, to fictional—the silver screen in its every aspect has mesmerised, captured and tantalised millions of every age, class, sex and community. The journey from silent films to talking pictures, from black and white to coloured has been long. It has catered to the dreams and aspirations of many who have hungered for glamour and reached ‘Mumbai’ and it still does.

There have been two streams of cinema in India—one is the Commercial Cinema which has the sole aim of entertaining and making money in return. The second stream is the Parallel Cinema or the Art Cinema which aims at sensitising people on various social issues and problems of the society. While Commercial Cinema appeals to all sections of the society, Parallel Cinema appeals mainly to the intellectual class and the intelligentsia of the society. But a change has taken place over the last decade and a half. A general awareness among people has increased and Art Cinema is being more and more appreciated by a large number of people. Many a times, an art film does much better at the box-office than a mainstream commercial film. This has resulted in the thinning of the differentiating line between Art and Commercial Cinema.



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Uttrakhand
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Rajasthan
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West Bengal
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