An American's Guide to Bollywood

An American's Guide to Bollywood

Author: An American's Guide to Bollywood Language: English Episodes: 89
Ever wondered what it's like to experience the vibrant, song-filled world of Indian cinema through completely fresh eyes? An American's Guide to Bollywood is exactly that: a genuine, often humorous exploration from an outsider's perspective. Each episode dives into a different film, breaking down not just the plot and performances, but also the cultural nuances, historical context, and sheer spectacle that define Bollywood. You'll hear reactions to the unexpected musical numbers, the dramatic family sagas, and the unique storytelling rhythms that can be so different from Western cinema. This isn't about dry academic analysis; it's about sharing the joy, confusion, and fascination of discovering a massive film industry one movie at a time. The host, an American navigating this colorful landscape, provides a relatable entry point for anyone curious but unsure where to start. Whether you're a seasoned fan looking for a new take or a complete newcomer, this podcast serves as a friendly companion through the dazzling, emotional, and wonderfully over-the-top universe of Hindi films. Tune in for conversations that feel like discussing a film with a friend, full of honest observations and a growing appreciation for the art form.
Episodes
Episode 39: Thugs of Hindostan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:35
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2018 historical adventure Thugs of Hindostan about a small-time conman who gets involved with a band of rebels during the time of the Raj. This film is directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya with son…
Episode 38: Simmba [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:55
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2018 action comedy Simmba about a corrupt cop. This film is directed by Rohit Shetty with songs by Tanishk Bagchi. It stars Ranveer Singh, Sonu Sood, and Sara Ali Khan. Recommended for intermedi…
Episode 37: Bang Bang! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2014 action comedy Bang Bang about an ordinary woman who gets involves with a charming thief. This film is directed by Siddharth Anand with songs by Vishal–Shekhar. It stars Hrithik Roshan and K…
Episode 36: Kites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:16
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2010 romance film Kites about a an Indian immigrant in Las Vegas who is a small-time hustler just trying to get by. This film is directed by Anurag Basu with songs by Rajesh Roshan. It stars Hri…
Episode 35: The Namesake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:08
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2006 drama The Namesake about a Bengali couple who immigrates to America and their American children. This film is directed by Mira Nair with songs by Nitin Sawhney. It stars Tabu, Irrfan Khan,…
Episode 34: Kurbaan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:31
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2009 drama Kurbaan about an Indian couple who immigrates to America and is embroiled in a plot in the Indian neighborhood they move into. This film is directed by Rensil D’Silva with songs by du…
Episode 33: My Name Is Khan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:38
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2010 drama My Name Is Khan about an autistic man who takes a journey across America to fight racial profiling post 9/11. This film is directed by Karan Johar with songs by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy. It…
Episode 32: English Vinglish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:34
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2012 comedy English Vinglish about an Indian housewife who finds her self-respect on a trip to New York. This film is directed by Gauri Shinde with songs by Amit Trivedi. It stars Sridevi, Mehdi…
Episode 31: Ek Hasina Thi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:34
Hannah & Rose discuss the 2004 revenge film Ek Hasina Thi about a woman who is framed for her boyfriend’s underworld crimes. This film is directed by Sriram Raghavan. It stars Urmila Matondkar and Saif Ali Khan. Recommen…
Episode 30: Agneepath [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:17
Hannah & Rose discuss the 1990 and 2012 revenge films Agneepath about a boy who joins the criminal underworld to avenge his father’s death. The 1990 film is directed by Mukul S. Anand with songs by Laxmikant–Pyarelal. It…