Sex now sells in Bollywood

[kitty]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/....sex/index.html



Sex now selling in Bollywood

NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- "House full" signs are lit up and long queues of moviegoers are waiting their turn to see the latest Bollywood film, "Khwaish," or "Desire."

Advertisements for "Desire" promise it will be racy, with 17 kisses and a string of bikini-clad girls, heralding a new age in mainstream Indian cinema.

The show is sold out, and one theater owner says he is thrilled, given that these days theaters get only 30-40 percent occupancy.

"Nowadays having full house is a rarity. So, one is obviously very happy," Regal cinema theatre owner Siddheshwar Dayal says.

Traditionally in Bollywood -- the world's largest film industry with 6 million workers -- films steer clear of sex.

The hero usually romances the heroine by singing and dancing. They hug but shy away from anything more. Even a kiss is a no-no in this conservative society.

But a string of films released this year suggest skin may finally be hot -- and not the least because it sells.

The Indian film industry is battling a recession. In 2002 more than 90 percent of all films released failed, resulting in more than $80 million in losses.

Almost the only films that made profits were ones with a sexy edge, like "The Body," which raked in more than $2 million.

People in the industry say it is a trend for a low-budget film to have a little bit of sex thrown in, and that's enough to draw an audience.

But actress Mallika Sherawat says her steamy scenes aren't about cheap thrills.

"Are you trying to tell me that girls these days don't kiss?" Sherawat asks. "What's this hullabaloo being made of me kissing the hero, or the hero kissing me? What's the big deal?"

No one in Bollywood is throwing away the kisses. Producers are hoping the new trend may mean they can finally kiss their losses goodbye.

[Jenny]

I remember watching parts of Indian movies at a friend's house and the 'raciest' thing they did was hug. I guess they've come a long way since then.

[AliBabaIncorporated]

Hmm ... Hindi films have always been popular in Malaysia, and the government doesn't bother to scrutinize or censor them even remotely as strictly as Western films. Hope this trend doesn't change that ...

[Emperor_Mike]

My God! SEVENTEEN KISSES!!! Scandalous! :o

First raunchy skirts that expose a woman's ankles and now this? What is society coming to?

[Faithless]

The hero usually romances the heroine by singing and dancing. They hug but shy away from anything more. Even a kiss is a no-no in this conservative society.

Sounds like the music videos on Namaste America.

[moschikat]

Wow!

I loved watching all those Bollywood films where all they did was run across mountains, play peek-a-boo between trees and sing . . . lots of singing . . .

now they've upgraded to kissing . . . :( i don't think i'll be able to handle it. . .

[mr. x]

Originally posted by Jaley@Jun 13 2003, 06:08 PM
I remember watching parts of Indian movies at a friend's house and the 'raciest' thing they did was hug. I guess they've come a long way since then.

say who is that in your avatar?

[lethal]

Originally posted by mr. x@Jun 15 2003, 01:09 AM
say who is that in your avatar?

I think its herself.

[Jenny]

Originally posted by lethalweapon@Jun 14 2003, 09:49 PM
I think its herself.

Yeah. :D

[mr. x]

Originally posted by Jaley@Jun 14 2003, 10:29 PM
Yeah. :D

how do we know your not some crazed geek impersonating this girl?

anyone seen Perfect Blue?