Indian Beauty: Bollywood Style (Memoire) by Berenice Geoffroy-Schneiter

by Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter

The movies made in the studios of Bombay brimming with ravishing eyes, generous hips, ample breasts, syrupy music, and sultry dance routines, and set in wedding-cake dÃcors have spawned a distinct style now identified by a succinct Bollywood. This genre s unique blend of kitsch and eroticism has not only invaded the screens of the Indian diaspora, but is now influencing art and fashion throughout the West.More than a sociological and aesthetic discussion of the recent phenomenon, this book explores the visual and narrative origins of Bollywood style, grounded in Indian art and religion. It shows how Bollywood s frenzy, sanctity, sensuality, and sentiment are variously indebted to Mughal miniatures, racy statues of Ganesh and Shiva, erotic temples in Khajuraho, and vivid passages from the Kama Sutra.

Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter is an archaeologist, art historian, journalist, and art critic.
As a child, she lived in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and has since traveled extensively throughout Asia for her work.
She is passionate about Africa, a subject on which she has published many books and articles. She also writes for a children’s magazine for Martin Malin.

Reviews

[ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

an appreciation of Bollywood that would’ve been fun to look further into