Watch Beyond Bollywood

Beyond Bollywood is a 2013 documentary-style film that explores the world of Indian dance. The movie is directed by Adam Dow and showcases the experiences of the film's lead character, Pooja Kasekar, an aspiring Bollywood dancer. Pooja has just completed her training in the United States and is returning to her homeland, Mumbai, to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Throughout the movie, we follow Pooja as she embarks on a journey to understand the complexities of what it takes to make it as a dancer in the Indian entertainment industry.

The movie is divided into several chapters, each exploring a different aspect of the Indian dance industry. In the first chapter, Pooja is introduced to some of the pioneers of Indian dance, including the famous choreographer Saroj Khan, who has choreographed some of the most iconic dance sequences in Bollywood movies. Pooja learns about the history of Indian dance and the significant influence that it has had on the country's culture.

In the next chapter, Pooja meets with some of the young dancers who are trying to make it in the industry. She learns about the challenges that they face, including stiff competition and the pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty and body type. Through these interactions, Pooja gets a glimpse into the often-difficult realities of life as a dancer in India.

As the movie progresses, we see Pooja's own journey unfold. She auditions for various dance jobs, meets with agents and other industry professionals, and trains with some of the most respected choreographers in India. We witness her moments of success and her moments of struggle, and we root for her as she works tirelessly to achieve her goals.

Interspersed throughout the movie are beautiful dance sequences that showcase the best of Indian dance. From classical Kathak to modern Bollywood, we see the full range of Indian dance styles and their breathtaking elegance and beauty.

One of the standout features of Beyond Bollywood is its depiction of the cultural significance of Indian dance. We learn about how dance is woven into the fabric of Indian society and how it serves as a means of cultural and political expression. We see how dance can be a powerful force for change and how it has played a role in shaping India's history and identity.

Overall, Beyond Bollywood is a fascinating and engaging documentary that takes viewers on a journey into the world of Indian dance. Through the eyes of Pooja and other dancers, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career as a dancer in India. We come away from the movie with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and cultural importance of Indian dance and a sense of awe at the incredible talent of the dancers who bring it to life.

Beyond Bollywood is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.