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LIGHTS DIM FOR BOLLYWOOD
Monday, December 1 2008
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The siege in Mumbai sent shockwaves throughout India's Bollywood film industry located in that city, once known as Bombay. Many productions shut down, and the bollywood.com website posted a report noting, "No one is in the mood to return to work" and concluding, "Bollywood is in no mood to forgive, forget and move on." Many theaters throughout the city shut down during the siege, presumably concerned that a crowded cinema might represent a prime target for terrorists. Ironically, the attacks concluded on the very day that a British film set in Mumbai won the top prize at the British Independent Film Awards. Slumdog Millionaire, which also attracted huge crowds during its limited release in the U.S. over the weekend, also won for best director (Danny Boyle) and best newcomer (Dev Patel). Speaking at the awards ceremonies, Ben Kingsley, who won a best-actor Oscar for his 1982 portrayal of Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi, said, "I really hope India can shake this off, because so many people want to be there and invest there and enjoy their industry and economy." Reuters noted that the attacks coincide with a growing alliance between Hollywood and India. Asia media analyst Vivek Couto told the wire service, "The timing couldn't have been worse. ... What will be important to see are capital flows in India."
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