Hollywood has always been the destination of many young dreams with an international film industry paying millions for its actors, music composers, script writers and a typical promise of fame across the globe. For one Indian film industry stalwart Hollywood has failed to see off its competition from Bollywood as the industry turns 100 next year. Popular writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar is happy to see the industry in which he belongs spreading its message around the world.
“Hollywood is such a powerful film industry that it has ruined film industries of the world. Wherever Hollywood films reach, the original film industry of that nation got ruined, except India. Our film industry is flourishing be it Tamil and Telugu films,” the 67-year-old said while at the music launch of ‘Ye Khula Aasman’.
Javed, who started his career in Bollywood as a script writer on Yakeen, has seen success as his pairing with Salim Khan brought such blockbusters like Sholay and Don. Javed has also worked with his family on some most recent hits like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Most recently however Javed has found himself turning to lyric writing and poetry.
“Our films are showcased in around one 30 nations abroad. The number of nations that view Hindi films is increasing and this is not an ordinary thing,” said Akhtar.
“We have made some good and bad films. We have made some excellent films as well. I think Indian cinema is at such a point that the future can only be bright and in another 10 years it will reach great heights,” said Akhtar, who has penned songs for films like Mr.India, Tezaab, 1942: A Love Story, Dil Chahta Hai and Refugee.
Bollywood has in the past and continues today to be compared to Hollywood and even is accused of copying everything that Los Angeles based industry produces. Despite that we continue to see such actors as Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and now Amitabh Bachchan making appearances in English films. Hollywood is even beginning to turn its attention to India with country beginning to feature in more and more productions. As Bollywood creeps towards its 100 years anniversary we look forward to seeing top class international films being released from Mumbai
