Re: Indian movies

[rialcnis2@aol.com (Rialcnis2)]

>is 
>Rekha.  My source (a Hindu lady at work who recommended the film) says 
>that Rekha has been a very prominent and successful actress in the
>Indian 
>file industry.  Apparently, Indian film actresses are extremely well 
>trained in dance, mime, and singing.  Rekha has a role in the new 
>film, Kama Sutra.  I did find a site on the Internet that sells 
>Indian films including Umrao Jann.  I see the work and realize what 
>Kate Bush could be capable of with that rich a tradition.
>
>>Another recommendation I'd put forward is a new film called "Fire",
which I
>saw a few months ago at the >theatre here in S.F.  I think it is in
English,
>for those put off by subtitles.
>
>Yes, I read the review of this on a page discussing Hindi and Indian
>films.  It 
>and Kama Sutra are a bit of a scandal there given the subject matter. 
>I'm not sure 
>if the local Indian food store that rents vids will have Fire, but I'll
>be on 
>the lookout for it!
>
>We attended the celebration of Indian Independence last night here with 
>my friend from work and her husband.  The food and dress were exquisite, 
>and afterwards, they all danced to music which was Indian melody and 
>instrumentation (string-heavy) over a quasi extal/tintal disco beat.  
>Very interesting construction as the longer the pieces go, the more 
>overpowering and frenzied they become.   Long lines of mostly women 
>in incredible costumes whirled and moved while striking sticks in 
>common with the beat.  Incredible!  Eat the Music makes a lot more 
>sense in this context than the semi-voodoo context of the vid.
>
>The cultural speakers and panel discussions 
>were most interesting.  They all seemed to agree that the most serious
>problem 
>in India is corruption.  I found it disturbing that among these desi,
>not a 
>one mentioned what the World Health Organization lists as the most
>significant 
>problem:  the devaluation of Indian women.  The health statistics are
>apalling.  
>It is a subject even my Indian friends are uncomfortable discussing.
>
>len

Also check out a video called God is my Witness" and Idian film starring
Sri Devi , who looks and dances like Kate.  The first time I saw it I
freaked out and was speechless....it is obvious aftrer seeing that the
Kate really knows a lot of classical Indian dance that comes out in her
videos.

dc