Bollywood Diplomacy
As if there weren’t enough grounds for Afghan-Pakistan animosity: the Times of India is trumpeting the success of Bollywood films in Kabul. While the West is a sought after destination for many in the subcontinent, India is seen as a desirable location by many Afghans. And all kudos for this positive perception goes to Bollywood ...
As if there weren't enough grounds for Afghan-Pakistan animosity: the Times of India is trumpeting the success of Bollywood films in Kabul.
While the West is a sought after destination for many in the subcontinent, India is seen as a desirable location by many Afghans. And all kudos for this positive perception goes to Bollywood and Indian television. Almost all afternoons see a complete halt in any sort of work that happens in Kabul. Not because it’s prayer time but because a familiar tune reverberates through the almost empty streets of Kabul. It’s time for Zamane Khushu Hum Arush Bood, Dari name (Afghan-Persian dialect) for what we popularly know as Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
India has generally tried to keep its diplomatic forays into Afghan affairs relatively quiet, but there’s no hiding its booming cultural influence.
David Bosco is a professor at Indiana University’s Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. He is the author of The Poseidon Project: The Struggle to Govern the World’s Oceans. Twitter: @multilateralist
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