Bollywood comes to Birmingham

By Bollywood Hungama -

March 18, 2004 - 12:00 AM IST

Bollywood comes to the Midlands this summer with a major exhibition of posters and hoardings from Indian cinema at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from 19th March to 20th June 2004. The show captures the excitement and glamour of Bollywood, and documents the vibrant visual culture of Indian film. Cinema India: The Art of Bollywood features works from pre-independent India to present day, bringing together remarkable examples of Art created for film promotion, and the phenomenon popularly referred to as 'Bollywood'. The show is a celebration of Indian cinema, exploring its various manifestations and evolution through the years. The posters cover classic films from the early twentieth century such as Mother India and Pakeezah, to present day blockbusters such as Lagaan and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery have specially commissioned a group of leading hoarding artists all the way from Mumbai to demonstrate their unique art. They will create two unique hand-painted hoardings at BM&AG. Painting in-session they will provide a rare opportunity for the public to watch this fascinating technique first hand. There are many events and activities accompanying the exhibition including dance, music, and yoga workshops, textile & jewellery making sessions, dance productions and a Bollywood singles night!! Narinder Dhami author of Bend it Like Beckham will also be reading excerpts from her new book 'Bollywood Babes'. Other highlights of the show are classic Indian jewellery, costumes and beauty - a rare glimpse of elaborate objects and art inspired by Indian cinema. The exhibition will also be showcasing work by local schools and community groups from the Midlands.