Bollywood saw significant shift during the 1970s and 1980s when the Indian film industry adopted the disco craze that was sweeping the globe. New freedom and experimentation, as well as a fair amount of controversy and scandal, came with the music. Here are six of the most significant events that shook Bollywood at the time.
Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s affair
The relationship between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai was one of the biggest scandals to rock Bollywood during the disco period. During the 1999 production of the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, the two actors fell in love. Salman’s alleged abuse of Aishwarya caused the relationship to soon deteriorate, though. In the end, the actress
Accident involving Amitabh Bachchan
One of Bollywood’s biggest actors, Amitabh Bachchan, suffered an injury while being filmed for the 1982 film Coolie. His followers were shocked when he sustained a nearly fatal injury on the set while filming a fight scene. People in India protested in large numbers after the event, calling for stronger rules for the film business and more safety precautions for actors.
Case of Bhanwari Devi
A politician is accused of raping Bhanwari Devi, a low-caste social worker in Rajasthan, in 1992. The incident provoked protracted protests across India and resulted in a protracted legal dispute. Bollywood celebrities like Nana Patekar and Salman Khan supported Bhanwari Devi and demanded justice in the case, which turned into a cause célèbre.
The Satyajit Ray debate
One of India’s most renowned directors, Satyajit Ray, had his reputation damaged by accusations of plagiarism in the 1980s. In his picture The Chess Players, Ray allegedly plagiarised parts from a French director’s The Return of Martin Guerre. The debate split the film industry, with some supporting Ray and others demanding that he be made to answer for his alleged plagiarism.
Sanjay Dutt’s court case
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sanjay Dutt was a rising star in Bollywood, but his career was put on hold when he was detained for his role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings. Dutt received a six-year prison term after being charged with having illegal weapons used in the attacks. Dutt’s supporters contended that he had been unfairly singled out because of his celebrity status in what became one of the most publicised legal battles in Indian history.
Conclusion
Bollywood saw significant transformation and innovation during the disco era, but it was also a time of scandal and controversy. These tragedies, which ranged from the Amitabh Bachchan accident to the Sanjay Dutt case, shocked the film business and provoked national discussions about censorship, safety, and justice. Even though many of these controversies are now history, they still influence how we view Bollywood and its role in Indian culture.
-by Nandlal Jha