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Bollywood
No es verdad que ya no se hagan películas como las de antes; se siguen rodando, y a miles, cada año, pero no en Hollywood sino en Bombay, el mayor centro de producción cinematográfica del planeta: un mundo de ensueño que vende fantasías multicolores a gran escala. Allí se ruedan películas de géneros un tanto peculiares para la mirada occidental: filmes de acción con héroes y villanos que interrumpen sus peleas para ponerse a cantar y bailar, culebrones donde las parejas nunca se besan, epopeyas históricas con dioses hindúes... Esto es Bollywood.Y allí llega Ashok Banjara, universitario de buena familia pero pésimo actor. Y, contra todo pronóstico, triunfa de manera apoteósica. La novela narra el ascenso y las peripecias de esta nueva estrella: un personaje tierno y ridículo, prepotente y vulnerable a la vez. Shashi Tharoor se detiene en el telón de fondo escondido tras los oropeles, y no sólo retrata los entresijos de una industria tan exótica –con la variopinta galería de actores, directores, productores, extras, columnistas de cotilleos, gurús y parásitos de toda laya que pululan por ella–, sino que ofrece una panorámica entre esperpéntica e hiperrealista de la India actual con todas sus contradicciones sociales y políticas.
408 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
19 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Shashi Tharoor
77 books3,068 followersShashi Tharoor is a member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and as the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 19, 2007
A major let-down after the Great Indian Novel
August 20, 2014
I know very little about India or Bollywood so I was happy to win this book through the Goodreads giveaways.
I was a little confused in the beginning of the book due to both the style and my lack of knowledge of India but became intrigued by the story. It was not long before I caught on. It was an enjoyable read with a surprise ending that I never expected.
The characters are well developed and interesting. It is a well written very realistic story about a self absorbed man who gives no real thought to the people around him. When the story appears predictable there is a hint that something has happened which has not been revealed and then takes another twist. That is what keeps the story interesting.
I am sure someone who knows something about the Bollywood movies would find it even more enjoyable.
I was a little confused in the beginning of the book due to both the style and my lack of knowledge of India but became intrigued by the story. It was not long before I caught on. It was an enjoyable read with a surprise ending that I never expected.
The characters are well developed and interesting. It is a well written very realistic story about a self absorbed man who gives no real thought to the people around him. When the story appears predictable there is a hint that something has happened which has not been revealed and then takes another twist. That is what keeps the story interesting.
I am sure someone who knows something about the Bollywood movies would find it even more enjoyable.
January 11, 2013
I loved this book. Written by an Indian national, it has the resonance of that culture, which to me is unique. The story is all about Bollywood and young film-star, Ashok, who seems to happily stumble into just about everything in his life -- he goes to Bollywood, and becomes a star, and eventually also has a political career. The book combines styles, including film play format. I laughed out loud at descriptions of Ashok's movies. At the end I was left with a lot to ponder. Tharoor's subtle satire of the culture of Bollywood and the political scene of India is reminiscent of Rushdie.
July 28, 2015
Of all the books of Shashi Tharoor's , this one definitely seems like the worst. The book lacks a good narrative - in fact there is absolutely nothing that holds one's attention. The plot is very contrived, seems like inspired from the lives/gossip we hear about so many of the popular Bollywood actors that you predict the story in most places. I used to regularly read his opinion columns - and they were usually well written even if I dint agree with his arguments. This has left me wondering whether it is the same guy...
December 4, 2015
An amateurish portrait of a one-dimensional man who becomes a huge Bollywood star, gets married and tries politics. Most of the story was scenes from his films. These were entertainingly absurd. The rest was awkward monologues from people in his life and his own musings, essentially "how did I get here?"
This was available at the Dollar Tree for a reason.
This was available at the Dollar Tree for a reason.
March 10, 2016
Avoid on all accounts...
This is a heap of carelessly drawn characters, drowning themselves in utterly cheap dialogues and crap story. I am even feeling ashamed to donate to a library or somebody else. This is surely going to a trash bin. :-(
This is a heap of carelessly drawn characters, drowning themselves in utterly cheap dialogues and crap story. I am even feeling ashamed to donate to a library or somebody else. This is surely going to a trash bin. :-(
May 30, 2014
Totally not worth it!
July 25, 2019
I feel there is a disconnect between the voice that authored the book to the person in real life which made me skeptical about the work of the author. The eloquence of the spoken word of Shashi Tharoor did not come across in the book to me. A few chapters dragged on as well.
March 17, 2013
Simply brilliant. A must read for all Bollywood fans. Sarcasm and humour galore...Tharoor at his best.
May 15, 2018
I have always though Shashi Tharoor is a fanstastic writer - not just that his language is pleasure to read but his books have well-thought out structure. I loved his book Riots, it did Roshomon in literature. Similarly, Show Business has something to look forward to in form of structure. More about that later.
From a plot perspective, I didn't learn anything new about politics and show business (read Bollywood). Because real life has presented more salacious stuff than fiction can. Yet the characters and narration of stereotypical Bollywood plots with sarcasm were pleasure to read and easy to relate with what we know. But, it is the form or the structure that I found most winsome.
From a plot perspective, I didn't learn anything new about politics and show business (read Bollywood). Because real life has presented more salacious stuff than fiction can. Yet the characters and narration of stereotypical Bollywood plots with sarcasm were pleasure to read and easy to relate with what we know. But, it is the form or the structure that I found most winsome.
December 16, 2017
Rajni Vashist :
Show Business an apt Title for this book a Bollywood mirror.. I would like to call it a PAGE3 Novel. Ashok Banjara's dubious character and life very common in Indian society now in all 3 classes. Maya... wife... Mother and daughter in law expected to be a goddess in our myth of traditional values. Mehnaz Elahi women available to ruin and trouble mental peace of goddess now entered from filmstan to real Indian world. A relationship which based on lust for fame and money will always have no future and short life. Cycle of Karma.. Ashok lying in hospital. Kulbhushan's description of India and Film.. Every hero and for that matter every Villian in your films is careless and unplaceable ,whereas in my India you will never get anywhere with a man without knowing who he is, where he comes from what his caste affiliations are. A wonderful para on fact and fiction of filmistan and India.
Guruji BABAS offerings I would rather call them selling spirituality salesman of reformation entered quietly like tarmaid in society.
Chetah's Chatter is now all social networking sites and newschannels flooded with gossips and rumours for TRP
Overall I feel a good Entertaining book written by Versatile Dr Shashi Tharoor.8 minutes ago
© 2017 Goodreads, Inc. · Terms Back to Top
Show Business an apt Title for this book a Bollywood mirror.. I would like to call it a PAGE3 Novel. Ashok Banjara's dubious character and life very common in Indian society now in all 3 classes. Maya... wife... Mother and daughter in law expected to be a goddess in our myth of traditional values. Mehnaz Elahi women available to ruin and trouble mental peace of goddess now entered from filmstan to real Indian world. A relationship which based on lust for fame and money will always have no future and short life. Cycle of Karma.. Ashok lying in hospital. Kulbhushan's description of India and Film.. Every hero and for that matter every Villian in your films is careless and unplaceable ,whereas in my India you will never get anywhere with a man without knowing who he is, where he comes from what his caste affiliations are. A wonderful para on fact and fiction of filmistan and India.
Guruji BABAS offerings I would rather call them selling spirituality salesman of reformation entered quietly like tarmaid in society.
Chetah's Chatter is now all social networking sites and newschannels flooded with gossips and rumours for TRP
Overall I feel a good Entertaining book written by Versatile Dr Shashi Tharoor.8 minutes ago
© 2017 Goodreads, Inc. · Terms Back to Top
October 11, 2015
Tharoor's Show Business gives an interesting composition of the Indian entertainment industry's links to society and politics. The book reflects the old saying that what you get is not what you want and what you want is not what you get. The book indeed delivers some very strong messages of integrity and what greed and indifference and disloyalty can bring to one's life. While songs are selling features in Bollywood movies, I am not sure how much the transliteration of songs in the movie narratives added entertainment value. Maybe Tharoor wanted to make it look as literal as possible for the movie scripts. I believe the author considered the scripts integral to reflect show business as much as he discussed the personal lives. From a non-actor to a megastar and then a politician turned down to the lowest self-esteem anyone can imagine, this book reflects how greed and lust can turn one's otherwise success to doom. The novel becomes predictable towards the end.
March 31, 2019
Quite hilarious but insightful about the trappings of modern day India!
I bet Amitabh Bachchan would have had the shock of his life if he read it! :P
I bet Amitabh Bachchan would have had the shock of his life if he read it! :P
December 25, 2018
I have always admired Shashi Tharoor as a good diplomat and an excellent statesman. He has many good videos on YouTube. This is the first novel I read. Frankly speaking, initially when I started this novel, the writing style was bit different and for initial few pages I wondered if I will have the patience to continue with this book. But slowly and gradually his writing took over and I love the way he describes the story of the protagonist. He very well sarcastically describes about Indian ideology with the help of Hindi Cinema. A good book to read.
June 4, 2016
I was not sure if I would like this book, because I am really not into reading entertainment news. However, I found this book very enjoyable. The writing style is very interesting and alternates between the actors' lives, scenes from movies they are filming, stories from a gossip column, and monologues about their feelings. The ending was actually very surprising. Although, there probably are Indians that would criticize the author for creating characters as Indian stereotypes.
February 15, 2016
A crazy laugh out loud satirical take on the underbelly of BOLLYWOOD. I could not stop laughing at the obvious comparisons to MOGAMBO (craftily called GODAMBO here) and ASHOK BANJARA's wild antics among other minor characters make this book a pleasure to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a giggle at the inane workings of BOLLYWOOD and how fickle the entertainment world can be. 5 STARS!!!!!!!
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July 28, 2011No está mal. Conocer ese mundo cinematográfico de la India; lleno de contrastes y situaciones tan desconocidas para los que vivimos en este lado del mundo. Me gusto este libro, considero que el autor shashi Tharoor es un buen escritor te mete dentro de la cultura de este gran país.
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July 8, 2016I dint like the book that much. Its did not meet the expectation that I have from shashi Tharoor.
This book talks about an actor's life, his ups and downs. How mean he has been in his entire life even though he never meant any of those.
Dint find anything commendable in this book.
This book talks about an actor's life, his ups and downs. How mean he has been in his entire life even though he never meant any of those.
Dint find anything commendable in this book.
March 29, 2016
The beauty lies in the details. Thankfully the details aren't all that deep and it's a fun read.
You will especially enjoy this book if you are aware of Amitabh Bachhan's life story. There are parallels but Shashi Tharoor exercises enough creative liberty to keep you hooked.
You will especially enjoy this book if you are aware of Amitabh Bachhan's life story. There are parallels but Shashi Tharoor exercises enough creative liberty to keep you hooked.
August 3, 2014
It is surely a fun and indulgent read, especially when you can attach real faces to the characters, which Tharoor ensures don't stray away from being not-so-obvious. It oscillates between a scintillating Page 3 read and a real biography. And pretty well at that.
October 24, 2013
Like other Shashi Tharoor books, this one blends fiction and real life seamlessly. Some may say Ashok Banjara is BigB in terms of politics, accident, 'rumoured affairs' etc, but there are cases for and against it. Certainly a one time read but a really explosive ending
August 13, 2007
I wanted to like this book (its about bollywood!), but found it a bit dull.
Currently reading
September 9, 2009All the Bollywood and more
April 7, 2011
3.5 may be
September 14, 2012
shocking one about bollywood
August 10, 2014
Loved it! My detailed review here
http://awanderingmindofabookaholic.bl...
http://awanderingmindofabookaholic.bl...
October 6, 2015
4-stars only for Shashi Tharoor's wit and satire.The way he connects politics,religion and cinema is too good.
November 6, 2015
This was my first Shashi Tharoor novel. I liked it so much, I must have suggested it to atleast 20 people after me. I just love his style of writing. I would recommend people to read this.
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January 4, 2016very interesting!
November 6, 2016
if you like Indian fiction and want to read a book from a former minister this is a good one to try
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews