The Evolution of Music in Bollywood Films: Tracing the Roots

Bollywood, the largest film industry in India, is renowned globally for its vibrant and melodious cinematic experiences. One of the defining features of Bollywood films is the seamless integration of music that complements the storytelling. The tradition of incorporating songs into Indian cinema dates back to the early days of Indian cinema in the 1930s. This article explores the origins and development of this unique feature, alongside the influential figures who played a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape of Indian cinema.

The Pioneering Stage

The custom of incorporating songs into films can be traced back to 1930, with Indrasabha being the foundation movie that still holds the world record for the most number of songs in any movie (69 songs). This fascinating and culturally rich film has historical and religious significance. Indrasabha was based on the first complete Urdu stage-play ever written, and it premiered in 1932. The astounding fact is that this movie was part of Hindu mythology, written by a Muslim, Sayed Aga Hasan Amanat, with a predominantly Muslim cast. This unique and untainted collaboration showcases the early days of Indian cinema, where unity transcended religious and cultural divides.

Founding of Performing Arts Influence

India’s love for performing arts is deeply rooted in ancient treatises such as Natyashashtra, written by Bharat Muni. This comprehensive text laid the foundation for a whole theory of performing arts, influencing the flourish of storytelling through dance and music. Two epic poems, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have a rich tradition of being performed and sung by actors. Their periodic structure, chapter-wise content, and stage settings provided a blueprint for future performances in various classical Indian dances, including Chhau from the North-East and folk dances like Kuchipudi and Kathak from the South.

Film Origins

Early Bollywood movies were often silent and drawn from thematic influences across various cultural traditions. The films primarily drew from Indian epics, the lives of kings and saints, Persian and Mogul influences, and literature. Here are some of the leading movies of the era:

Religious themes: Vaman Avatar (1930) Mythology: Indrasabha (1932) Historical tales: Ashoka (1922) Persian folk: Shirin Farhad (1931) Literature: Giribala (1929)

You can argue that Bollywood’s love for musicals in its blood stems from such an ancient and deeply rooted Indian history. This combination of performing arts and storytelling has been a hallmark of Indian cinema. Composers, lyricists, and playback singers, such as Naushad, Lata Mangeshkar, and R.D. Burman, significantly contributed to the evolution of Bollywood music. Their innovations and collaborations have profoundly shaped the industry, making songs an integral part of Bollywood films.