Shalom Bollywood

Shalom Bollywood is a compelling and vibrant documentary feature from 2017, directed by Danny Ben-Moshe. The movie pays a well-deserved tribute to the unsung heroes of Indian cinema - the Jewish actresses whose contribution have helped shape Bollywood. The film offers an intimate portrayal of these trailblazers, showcasing their remarkable journeys, and their activities on and off the screen.

One of the film's primary subjects is the acclaimed actress Ayesha Dharker, who is known for her roles in international films and popular Indian cinema. She lends her experiences, insights, and charm with candor and wit. Dharker's narration serves as the heartbeat of the film, leading us through the intertwined histories of Bollywood and Jewish actresses who defied convention in their time.

The plot of Shalom Bollywood unfolds like a carefully woven tapestry, the threads of which spans across a century of Indian cinema. The film starts by exploring the early era of Bollywood during 1920's and 1930s when Jewish women undeterred by the patriarchal societal norms, made their indelible mark in a predominantly Hindu and Muslim industry.

The film sheds light on women like Ruby Myers (aka Sulochana), Esther Victoria Abraham (Pramila), and Rachel Sophia Abraham Cohen (Rachna), who were some of the industry's first female superstars. These women, none of whom were trained actors, navigated their path through stardom, breaking stereotypes and laying down a foundation for future actresses. They were Jewish by birth but on screen, they convincingly played Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, reflecting the diverse fabric of Indian society.

The narrative of Shalom Bollywood takes care to encompass all aspects of these actresses' lives. Their professional careers, personal resilience, romantic pursuits, and struggle with their identity all find a place in the narrative. What is particularly brilliant about Shalom Bollywood is how the film does an exceptional job of maintaining balanced viewpoints, allowing for an unbiased walk through history.

Ben-Moshe tactfully uses archival footage, snippets from memorable movies, interviews of relatives, and voiceovers to paint a picture of a time gone by. Yet, Shalom Bollywood doesn't just offer a historical perspective. It also expertly delves into the dynamics of the society these women were part of, exploring the intersections of religion, culture, and societal expectations, with a notable emphasis on the inherent paradox of these Jewish women becoming celebrated symbols of Indian femininity.

Shalom Bollywood offers an interesting blend of varied themes, often merging the humorous with the poignant, and the personal with the historical. Despite its exploration of some serious ideas and themes, the tone of the movie maintains a breezy rhythm throughout, making it an engaging watch.

Simultaneously appealing and informative, Shalom Bollywood is a culturally significant documentary that digs deep into an integral, yet often overlooked, facet of Indian cinema. It successfully tells a vibrant tale of unconventional women who marked their territory in an emerging cinema platform that was yet to find its essence. Their courage, determination, and passion, transports the viewers back to a time that marked the birth of what we today celebrate as the effervescent Bollywood.

Overall, Shalom Bollywood is an intriguing offering that breaks new ground in the realm of Indian film documentaries. It is a must-watch for cinema lovers around the globe and those interested in the cultural and historical aspects it explores. It's not only an exploration of Jewish stars in Bollywood but an homage to the spirit of women who dared to defy the norms and create their own path. Their stories resonated across the boundaries of religion and culture, echoing the true essence of Indian cinema – unity in diversity, a sentiment that continues to be celebrated even today.