104k views
5 votes
Who coined the term Bollywood cinema?

User FrankyBoy
by
7.5k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The term 'Bollywood' doesn't have a single known individual who coined it; instead, it was developed to describe the Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai, referencing Bombay (Mumbai's former name) and Hollywood. Bollywood is the largest movie production center in the world, extending Indian culture’s global influence through cinema.

Step-by-step explanation:

Origin of the Term Bollywood

The term Bollywood cinema doesn't have a known single originator but is a portmanteau of Bombay (the former name for Mumbai) and Hollywood (the center of the American film industry). Coined to represent the Hindi language film sector based in Mumbai, Bollywood is often used incorrectly to describe the whole of Indian cinema but officially refers only to the film industry based in Mumbai.

Bollywood became a label as the Indian film industry grew in size and stature. The industry's global reach is evident, with movies popular not just in India but also in Southeast, the Middle East, and Africa, reflecting the widespread appeal of Indian culture portrayed through cinema.

In terms of production, Bollywood is the largest movie production center in the world, outpacing Hollywood. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Hyderabad has the most extensive film production center in the world, yet Bollywood remains the most renowned film industry within India. The Indian cinema has evolved significantly, keeping pace with technological advancements while representing the changing social fabric of India itself.

User JimLohse
by
7.5k points