International  •  Indian Subcontinent Traditions »

Bollywood

Overview Artists Albums Songs

There is no great distinction between Indian art film music and Indian film music and both can be lumped under the heading of Bollywood. The standard Indian formula for successful filmmaking includes roughly one or two stars, six songs, and three dances. The songs are often ghazals composed in either one of two Indian "art" styles: the Hindustani or the Carnatic (Karnatic). The former style governs most of the north and north west of India while the latter governs the peninsular or southern portion of India. Ghazals contain lyrics that are metaphorical and complex, and music that is complicated and quite extensive. To remember the raga, talas, and lyrics is quite an amazing task. Songs are an important medium within the entertainment field of India because they often convey matters concerning love couplets based on ancient heroic verse or romantic lyrics, both with eloquence and good taste.