The History Hour The origins of Indian cinema and the start of Scouting
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Sep 27, 2025 Professor Sunny Singh, an expert in Indian cinema and author of A Bollywood State of Mind, delves into the roots of Indian cinema, highlighting Raja Harishchandra's landmark release in 1912. He shares insights on how talkies revolutionized the industry, leading to diverse regional films, while also addressing the impact of British censorship on cinematic narratives. The conversation also touches on the origins of the scouting movement, drawing on historical recordings of Baden-Powell's vision for uniting youth globally.
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DDLJ Became A Generational Phenomenon
- Kajol recounts the young cast's surprise at DDLJ becoming a cultural phenomenon and family tradition.
- She shares fan stories, like a man who saw it 23 times and then proposed to his wife.
Cinema Spread Rapidly Across India
- Professor Sunny Singh explains Indian cinema began almost immediately after the Lumière screening in 1896 and grew rapidly.
- Early films and travelling shows made cinema accessible across languages and regions.
Use Local Hubs To Grow Audiences
- Use local community hubs to expand cultural reach, as early cinemas and travelling shows did.
- Bring films or events to surrounding towns to build wider audiences quickly.
