99% Invisible From Bombay with Love
May 7, 2019
Vivian Lee, a talented producer and storyteller, discusses the fascinating cultural bond between Indian cinema and Soviet audiences during the Cold War. She reveals how Bollywood films, especially those starring Raj Kapoor, captivated Soviet hearts despite political divides. Vivian highlights a young girl's journey to connect with pen pals in Russia, showcasing the nostalgic impact of film and literature across borders. The dialogue also touches on innovative viewing experiences in the Soviet Union and the power of art to transcend geopolitics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Bollywood Mania in Moscow
- A Bollywood actor in Moscow was swarmed by fans.
- The fans lifted his taxi overhead and carried him down the street.
Early Soviet Cinema
- In the early USSR, film was a major source of revenue, alongside vodka.
- Stalin's strict control and censorship heavily restricted artistic creativity.
Socialist Realism's Impact
- Socialist realism dictated a standard narrative, limiting creativity.
- World War II further impacted Soviet cinema.