"From its historical roots through to the contemporary moment, the collection of essays, written by eminent scholars in the field, demonstrate so clearly how Indian cinema is more than the sum of its parts. An essential text for anyone wishing to understand properly the full complexities of Hindi cinema." Professor Susan Hayward, University of Exeter, UK"We are finally at a point when the study of Bollywood is a fully fledged field in Film Studies." Professor Dina Iordanova, University of St. Andrews, Scotland"The Bollywood Reader extends the discursive boundaries of Indian popular cinema in interesting and complex ways. In putting together this volume, the editors have performed magnificently." Professor Wimal Dissanayake, University of Hawaii, USA What is Bollywood cinema? How does it operate as an industry? Who are the audiences of Bollywood cinema? These are just some of the questions addressed in this lively and fascinating guide to the cultural, social and political significance of popular Hindi cinema, which outlines the history and structure of the Bombay film industry, and its impact on global popular culture.Including a wide-ranging selection of essays from key voices in the field, the Reader charts the development of the scholarship on popular Hindi cinema, with an emphasis on understanding the relationship between cinema and colonialism, nationalism, and globalization.Features include: Comprehensive introductory essay Landmark essays by key scholars in the field Glossary of key terms Timeline of key events in Indian cinema Further reading section The authors address the issues of capitalism, nationalism, Orientalism and modernity through understandings of race, class, gender and sexuality, religion, politics and diaspora as depicted in Indian popular films.The Bollywood Readeris captivating reading for film, media and cultural studies students and scholars with an interest in Bollywood cinema.