THE BOLLYWOOD EFFECT: CULTURAL SHIFTS AND CAPITALISATION OF MUSIC
Golden Era: Changing Sounds of Bollywood (1945-2025)
🎶 Bollywood’s Musical Tapestry: A Journey Through Tradition and Innovation
From the earthy rhythms of folk to the spiritual depth of devotional tunes and the intricate beauty of classical ragas, Bollywood has long drawn inspiration from India’s rich musical heritage. Over the decades, films have blended traditional sounds with modern flair- reviving lost forms, popularizing regional identities, and reshaping sacred music for mass appeal. This timeline explores how iconic songs, legendary composers, and evolving cinema trends have shaped and reshaped Indian music on screen.
Influence of Bollywood on Folk,
Classical, and Devotional Music
Bollywood is more than a film industry—it's a cultural powerhouse that has shaped the soundscape of India for decades. From incorporating folk rhythms to adapting classical ragas and devotional tunes, Bollywood has continuously drawn inspiration from traditional music. However, this relationship is not without complexities. While it has brought mass attention to India’s musical roots, it has also raised concerns about authenticity, commercialization, and artistic dilution.
​Folk Music: From Villages to the Big Screen
A Cultural Bridge
Folk music, deeply rooted in regional traditions, has long inspired Bollywood composers. Styles such as Rajasthan’s Manganiyar, Bengal’s Baul, Punjab’s Bhangra, and Gujarat’s Garba have added local flavor and cultural depth to countless songs.
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Bollywood’s Role
Popularization: Folk tunes were adapted to suit cinema’s narrative needs, making them accessible to urban and national audiences.​
Post-1980s Decline
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​With the rise of disco and pop, classical music saw a reduced presence in Bollywood. Yet, certain films like Sur (2002) and Sangeet (1992) tried to preserve this heritage.
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Revival in the 2010s
Modern filmmakers reintroduced classical elements with a fresh approach:
The Trade-Off ​
While Bollywood helped keep folk music relevant, it often simplified the original structure and removed it from its cultural context. Traditional artists were frequently overshadowed by film versions, and authentic instrumentation gave way to studio polish.
Classical Music: Between Tradition and Modernity
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Golden Era of Raga-Based Film Music
During the 1940s to 1970s, classical music was the backbone of Bollywood soundtracks.
Prominent Examples: