The Underrated Pillars of Hindi Cinema
We list a remarkable group of familiar actors in Hindi cinema who have not quite gotten their due over the years.
“My Bible for Kapoor & Sons was ‘Monsoon Wedding’.”
We speak to man-of-the-moment Shakun Batra, the young director of one of the year's better Hindi films, 'Kapoor & Sons.'
REEL to REAL
A new contributor to iiF writes about a recent "real" Bollywood trend, and how we need more of it.
“…Or Die” Review
"Attempting to get at truth means rejecting stereotypes and cliches." - Harold Evans Stereotypes exist for all races across the board. Some of them can be true while others are blatantly false. Nearly all of them can be associated with ignorance. Yes, some cab drivers are brown. Yes, a lot of IT guys are also brown. Yes, even many terrorists have brown skin. As it turns out though, there are brown people around the world who also happen to be athletes, artists, writers, actors, teachers, pilots, directors, editors, journalists, bartenders, painters, comedians, zookeepers, train conductors, lawyers, politicians, construction workers, cops, [...]
Kabir Bedi discusses his Hollywood years and the role of South Asian actors in America
Kabir Bedi is quite the accomplished actor. He just recently received the Star Foundation Award during the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF). He's found a form of stardom on three different continents through projects and films like "Octopussy", "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "Sandokan." Kabir Bedi with moderator James Janowsky during the SAIFF Conversation Series Saturday. Bedi recently participated in a conversation series at SAIFF where he discussed his legacy, stardom, family and much more with moderator James Janowsky. IIF managed to participate in the conversation by asking Bedi about the struggles and challenges of making it [...]
“Balak Palak” Review
So let's talk about sex. What? You don't want to? What do you mean you're embarrassed? Why? Wait where are you going?! Who the hell is supposed to explain this stuff to me? "Balak Palak" premiered at the South Asian Film Festival Friday night. These are the questions many adolescents face as they grow older and attempt the decipher one of nature's most confounding experiences. Sex. And those kids who grow up in communities (especially India) where such talk and communication is considered taboo, the ramifications can be particularly damaging. This is the premise of "Balak Palak", a film directed by [...]
IIF Exclusive: An Interview with Imtiaz Ali
Imtiaz Ali, the director of such hits in India like "Rockstar" and "Love Aaj Kal", was in New Jersey for the weekend to introduce an independent film called "Dekh Indian Circus" at NJISACF. While he was there, he graciously took the time to speak to IIF about the definition of independent films, the challenges of a filmmaker and what audiences expect from their movies. Imtiaz Ali and Paresh Jha after the interview. Ali was in New Jersey for the New Jersey Independent South Asian Cinefest. IIF: Being such a big director in the Indian Film Industry and working [...]
