Adolescent Bollywood

Seems like Bollywood has matured, but still has a long way to go-- or so says Naseeruddin Shah, one of Bollywood's most respected actors.

In an interview with Reuters India, the actor says that, "I do not think our industry has matured but yes the attempts to experiment with different subjects, different themes have surely gone up."

Shah is known for his brilliant acting in off-beat films, and flourished in the parallel cinema movement of the 1980's.

So, how can Bollywood mature and grow? With the producers, of course, as I stated in a previous blog. "A lot depends on the producers... They should support fresh content and push originality. India has some very talented directors and they can do well with the help."

Redundant story lines and dialogues and over-the-top romances should no longer dominate Bollywood. There has been some progress, especially in 2006. Even this year, progressive films have become marketable. But, there is still a long way to go.

Producers need to start taking risks-- or Bollywood will always be stuck in its adolescent stage.