Relive Memories Of Bollywood With Padmashree Winner Bhawana Somaaya

If you love Hindi cinema, there is one person who's impossible to miss—Bhawana Somaaya. Bhawana Somaaya is a noted Indian film journalist, critic, author, historian and now a Padma Shri winner. Starting her career as film reporter in 1978, she went to work with several film magazines. She has written over 13 books on history of Hindi cinema and biographies of Bollywood stars.

Want to read a retrospective on Bollywood in the form of a diary and old movie posters? Bhawana Somaaya take us on a retrospective of the art and nostalgia of Bollywood through the years in the form of a datewise reflection of the most memorable scenes that moved us in her newest book Once Upon A Time In India: A Century of Indian Cinema.

 

The book doesn’t only focus on Bollywood, but also takes a look at the most touching memories we have from regional cinema, paying homage to the many cinematic contributions that vernacular cinema has had on our hearts and minds.

 

The book features fifty-three full-page original illustrations in Bollywood poster art style depicting some of the most memorable scenes from your favorite films. Many of these feature the kick ass moments from our favorite screen heroines – Kangana Rannaut dancing with abandon in Queen, Nargis’ unforgettable image holding up the plough in Mother India  - moments that defined us and women and consumers of Indian cinema.

This retrospective seems especially poignant as Big B, our very own Amitabh Bacchan graced the launch event for the film and mentioned that over 50% of the workforce in films is now female, a statistic that indicates that heroines aside, the entire film industry is paying heed to equal representation on the front lines and at the backbone of the Hindi film machine.

A worthy read for any lover of Bollywood, check this book out for a journey through the films that formed the backdrop of our lives - Once Upon A Time In India 

We at SHEROES send out our heartiest congratulations on winning the Padma Shri for your impeccable contribution.