Farida Nurani, Communications Coordinator for the Southeast Ismaili Council, and one of the members of the AJFF Community Engagement-Muslim Subcommittee commented, “Shalom Bollywood showcases a cross-cultural connection among diverse peoples. We may have a different context, speak different languages or practice different faith traditions, but at the end of the day we all face the same day-to-day issues, and have similar aspirations in life.”
AJFF Community Programming Manager, Katherine Price said, “The Ismaili Jamatkhana is a gorgeous space with wonderful screening capability, so it seemed like a perfect fit. The main goal was to bring people together to celebrate the arts, culture, and the surprising history of Bollywood detailed in the film.”
Ms. Price continued, “Through the support of AJFF’s Muslim Subcommittee and the amazing volunteers of the Ismaili community, we brought over 125 people together to not only enjoy the movie but also get to know each other better. Attendees enjoyed the film, learned something new through the brief dance lesson, and interacted with other attendees in a meaningful and organic way.”
Holly Deal came for the screening and appreciated the warm welcome she received. She found learning about Ismaili Muslims through the Jamatkhana tour to be “uplifting”. She said, “Without experiencing different cultures, understanding each other, finding common ground and seeing the things we share, I don’t think there’ll ever be peace on the earth.”
Many viewers were surprised to learn that in the earliest days of the Indian film industry, men were playing female acting roles. Hindu and Muslim women did not brave the silver screen due to its associated taboos. Starting in the 1920s, it was the Jewish actresses, Sulochana, Miss Rose, Pramila, and Nadira, who came forward as the first female superstars of Indian cinema. This trend continued for the next four decades, and other Jews, including the playwright David Joseph Penkar, and actor David Abraham, also left their mark on the Indian film industry.
Shalom Bollywood also touched upon the history of Jews in India. The first Jews of the Bene Israel tribe arrived on Indian shores over 2,000 years ago, and a second wave, the Baghdadi Jews, came from the Middle East in the 1800s.
Roslyn and Neal Dodell, frequent supporters of the AJFF, enjoyed the film. Neal was amazed at how Jewish women were breaking barriers in India almost a hundred years ago. Roslyn said, “These women were entrepreneurs and survivors, and they found an industry that they could thrive in.”
