Khatol W Momand | Lead, Bollywood and Lifestyle, TheNewsSite.In | [ khatol@TheNewsSite.In] |
Bollywood cinema has countless fans in Afghanistan and, for many years, has served as a kind of second culture within our homes. I remember from my childhood how students and young people closely followed the clothing styles and fashion of Indian actors, taking inspiration from them. Even in social interactions and daily life, the influence of Bollywood was unmistakable.
During the governments of Babrak Karmal and Dr. Najibullah Ahmadzai, Back in 80’s Afghanistan’s relations with India were strong. At that time 1991, the Indian film industry produced a movie called Khuda Gawah, starring Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi. The day these artists arrived at Kabul airport felt like a city-wide celebration, students and schoolchildren abandoned their lessons and daily routines to catch a glimpse of Amitabh Bachchan and Daani, due to some reasons Sridevi couldn’t come. This event vividly demonstrated the power and popularity of Indian cinema in Afghanistan.
Despite political upheavals and the breakdown of diplomatic relations, Afghans have continued to love and follow Indian films. Millions of dollars are spent annually on Bollywood productions, and even though some films fail at the box office in India, they still enjoy a strong audience in Afghanistan and among the Afghan diaspora.
Bollywood’s influence goes far beyond entertainment, it has shaped social and family life in Afghanistan. Young people challenged taboos and formed romantic relationships, many of which eventually led to marriage. Sridevi’s boldness in (Chaalbaaz) 1989 and Rekha’s courage in (Khoon Bhari Maang) 1988, remain unforgettable. Young men drew inspiration from the fashion and style of actors like Mithun Chakraborty, Rishi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan, learning in our patriarchal society how to treat women with respect and integrity, just as film stars would.
It is impossible to forget iconic scenes, such as Mithun Chakraborty standing beside Rekha, his love, in (Bhrashtachar) 1989. These moments remain cherished memories from Bollywood’s golden era of 80’s/90’s in Afghanistan.
However, the rise of the internet and modern technology has somewhat tempered Afghan audiences’ enthusiasm for Bollywood. Easy access to news and content from multiple channels has diluted the excitement, and occasional shortcomings in Bollywood films themselves have sometimes reduced viewers’ interest.
At the same time, internal analyses and media reports from India about Bollywood stars can be disheartening. Especially after the Sushant Singh Rajput incident on 14 June 2020, and the subsequent discussion about outsiders and insiders in Bollywood. When we learn that a star adored by thousands in Afghanistan is involved in violent acts, or another exploits romantic relationships for personal gain, or is implicated in sexual assault cases, our trust in these stars is shaken. Afghans, being proficient in Urdu, often access this information through various sources, making the impact very real and tangible.
Yet, despite these challenges, the Afghan love for Bollywood endures. Its stories, music, boldness, and dreams despite the scandals and flaws, remain an integral part of our collective memory and culture. We may now view Bollywood with a more realistic lens, recognizing that stars are human and imperfect, but this awareness itself is a lesson in life’s complexities and the nature of humanity.
Ultimately, Bollywood remains a bridge between the past and the present, between dreams and reality. Even when our admiration is shaken by unsettling news, Bollywood continues to occupy a special place in our hearts and minds bringing joy and laughter while also prompting reflection on ethics, loyalty, and humanity. Every film serves as a bridge connecting past memories with present aspirations, and every actor becomes an unseen teacher shaping culture through their stories.
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