Kabhi India, Kabhie Scotland: Bollywood productions in post-devolutionary Scotland

Martin-Jones, D. (2006) Kabhi India, Kabhie Scotland: Bollywood productions in post-devolutionary Scotland. South Asian Popular Culture, 4(1), pp. 49-60. (doi: 10.1080/14746680600555576)

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Abstract

This article examines the recent phenomenon of popular Indian films shot on location in Scotland. It explores what is to be gained by Scotland and India from this arrangement, both financially and culturally. In contrast to critics who maintain that Scotland is framed in films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000) as a fantasyland, I argue that it is rendered specifically as a tourist destination, in a manner that reflects the agendas of both nations. I then examine Pyaar Ishq aur Mohabbat (2001), a recent film shot almost entirely on location in Scotland, to see how it frames Scotland slightly differently. I focus on its depiction of Scotland's Non Resident Indian (NRI) community, exploring how it uses location to negotiate their identity. I demonstrate how, although it retains an emphasis on Scotland's recognisable tourist locations, it also deploys certain locations to depict NRI identity as part of the global Indian middle class.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Martin-Jones, Professor David
Authors: Martin-Jones, D.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
Journal Name:South Asian Popular Culture
ISSN:1474-6689
ISSN (Online):1474-6697

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