My spiral into Bollywood bliss

It's been one year since the first time I saw a Bollywood film. My sister had received a couple of movies in the mail from a dear friend in the UK and asked if I wanted to come over to watch one. Always up for a movie or a night out I agreed. Before she put it on, I remember her telling me that it was something called a Bollywood film, something I really had never heard about before, and if I didn't like it we could shut it off. The movie was Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.


I had seen subtitled movies before, so the idea of watching something foreign wasn't a new one to me, and I have always been a fan of musicals. As the movie progressed I laughed at how cheesy the whole "sexy Sam" thing was, my feet started tapping the instant Rock N Roll Soniye started, I loved how the songs were a fusion of traditional sounding music and contemporary dance, and I was intrigued that another country would make a movie that mixed such a large portion of English with their language. There was a line during one of the songs where the character Dev sings, "This is a season of despair", to which I blurted out, "That's my least favorite season!", and we howled with laughter for minutes on end. Though not a movie that I would recommend to a beginner, there was nothing I didn't enjoy about my first Bollywood experience - I even really enjoyed the movie itself (though I believe that I'm probably nearly alone on that one).

Why haven't I mentioned Shah Rukh Khan, you're wondering? Don't get me wrong, he didn't go unnoticed in KANK - his was the character I empathised with most in the film, but it wasn't really until a couple of days later when my sis asked me if I wanted to watch another movie called Kal Ho Naa Ho to which I replied with an enthusiastic "You Bet!". Not since Jordan Knight of New Kids fame (don't laugh too hard here) have I fallen for a celebrity the way I've fallen for Shah Rukh Khan. I think my parents thought one day I would outgrow this celebrity crush thing - I fear I am way too immature to completely grow up!


Anyway, with KANK and KHNH under my belt, I was hooked. Completely, thoroughly, utterly hooked. If Indian cinema was to be my bread, then Indian filmi music would be my butter. I have always loved music, even was a music major in college, but the passion slowly evaporated as real life took over. Then, all of a sudden, I was back in love. I've never experienced music as rich and diverse as filmi music. From bansuri's, santoors and sitars to the Bhangra beat of the dhol, I love the inclusion of traditional music in film. There's the rich full sound we get from full orchestration and strings in songs like Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam. Then there's the heart pulsing, feet pounding Westernized dance tunes, that I dare anyone to try and sit still through. It is honestly all I listen to, and with such an unparalleled mixed bag of music, what else do you need?



So that's my story, 3 sarees, countless curry recipies and 60 movies later, and it doesn't end there. I will keep discovering more about this fascinating country, it's film, it's culture, it's language, and hopefully, one day it will all culminate into a real life experience.

I'd love to hear your story. How did India find you?

41 Response to "My spiral into Bollywood bliss"

  1. bollyviewer says:
    July 24, 2009 at 4:58 PM

    Thats sooooooo sweet. I love discovering how non-Indians get into Bollywood. As an Indian who grew up in India, Bollywood is in my genes! But it never ceases to amaze me how many cultural barriers Bollywood has crossed over the decades. And all with colorful songs-n-dances! :-)

  2. Shellie says:
    July 24, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    Does it hold the same appeal for those who've been born into it? It's really truly an amazing amazing amazing experience to watch Indian cinema. I almost feel sorry for those who either don't get the chance or don't give it a chance. It has become such a part of my life and my identity that I don't know what I would do without it. I am hopelessly and wonderfully lost!!!

  3. Jules says:
    July 24, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Well, you already know mine... but bless my Soul Brother, Amit, for sending me KHNH and KANK. I wonder what would have happened if I'd have shown you KHNH first?!

    I adore the music... and for all the same reasons you do. I love its diversity and thick full body. I feel like I'm talking about wine, but really, I do mean that.

    Happy Bollyversarie, Sister!

  4. Daddy's Girl says:
    July 25, 2009 at 12:48 AM

    How lovely! I love hearing about how others fell in love with Hindi films. It's so great that you've come so far after just one year!

    I've written about how I fell in love with Bollywood here:

    http://ilovelovelovedharmendra.blogspot.com/2006/10/birth-of-passion-or-how-i-fell-in-love.html

    http://ilovelovelovedharmendra.blogspot.com/2006/10/my-second-foray-into-wonderful-world-of.html

    but here's the abridged version: I grew up knowing about Bollywood and watching a few Hindi films here and there, but I rediscovered them about 5 years ago when, during a visit to Houston for m brother's wedding, my sister-in-law told me 'you have to watch this', then slotted 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' into the DVD player. I devoured it in one sitting and loved it. I was studying in London at the time, and I was sufficiently intrigued that, when I returned to school after the wedding, I went on eBay and bought 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' (so we have something in common!) and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'... and fell deeper in love with Bollywood... then I got 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' and 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' - and then it just snowballed from there!

    There are so many reasons why I love Hindi films - I talked about them here a few years ago:

    http://ilovelovelovedharmendra.blogspot.com/2006/10/20-reasons-why-i-luuurrve-bollywood.html

    While I think some of those reasons have changed as I've seen and learnt more about Hindi films, most of them still ring true.
    Bollywood and India have become such a huge part of my life now -
    I have 2 very precious friends I would never have met if we didn't share a love for Bollywood - and I got to visit India with one of them a couple of years ago, which was just an incredible, amazing experience. And of course, blogging about Bollywood has allowed me to exchange views and opinions with lots of other fans, which is just wonderful.
    Long may the love continue!

    PS Apologies for the long comment!

  5. Anonymous Says:
    July 25, 2009 at 1:53 AM

    Very interesting post. 60 movies! Impressive indeed. Now time for the sarees also to move up on the scale! Just kidding. Good to know that people from other cultures enjoy hindi movies.

  6. Anonymous Says:
    July 25, 2009 at 7:27 AM

    OK - so here's me, a WASP from New England: 60 movies, 100+ saris, learned to recite the Hanuman Chailsa, studied sari wraps in detail and wear them all the time - don't own western clothes anymore, SRK - has given me a new lease on life - fell completely in love with him, and by extrapolation more in love with my husband of many years, have been reading and devouring Indian history and travel guides, all because of Bollywood movies getting under my skin, first one I don't remember any more, but I own, as I said 60 + and watch them over and over. Thank God for all our human diversity and for the marvel and wonder that is India. The world would be so much the poorer w/o her people and culture.

  7. bollywooddeewana says:
    July 25, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    Ah so sweet to read your story, here's mine

    As a kid growing up in Nigeria, bollywood movies were very famous in the '80's,my parents preferred showing them to us over American movies ads they usually had no sexual content. I must have watched the same 15 bollywood movies over and over as very few seemed to be in circulation.

    When i became a teenager and moved away from Nigeria i fell in love with the Spice Girls and Pop music, bollywood took a back seat and i lost interest in it.

    when Youtube happened a few years a go i would look back at the bollywood music i had seen as a kid i and they sorta made me curious also while at University i used to tell my Indian friends film dialogues i could remember, all these started reawakening my interest and then last year after graduating from University, i had lots of free time on my hands and thus i signed onto a Dvd rental service and would watch about 4-6 movies in a week

    a few months later i found the blog filmi geek via wikipedia and then beths and then daddy's girl and then others and after a few months of reading all those blogs i decided to start mine hence my blog bollywooddeewana

  8. Shellie says:
    July 25, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    @ Jules - I owe so much to Amit for sending you those films, and equally to you for sharing them with me. I don't think it would have made any difference which one I saw first - I love them both. Filmi music KICKS butt!!!!!

    @ Daddy's Girl - I had to go read your posts before I commented back. I think it's wonderful that you rediscovered Bollywood after so many years, and didn't give up until you found just the right movies to hook you. I admire your tenacity!

    Growing up in Northern Alberta, Canada, I don't think you could be any further from Indian film physically and mentally. Our Mom took us to stuff like E.T. and Disney films; our dad let us watch some very questionable film slike The Exorcist and Porky's.

    The reason I started blogging was to meet people that shared my interest - I have very few people that I can talk Bollywood with in my day to day life, so I value the people I've begun to meet through this wonderful blogging community bahut zada! (hope I spelled that right)

    ps. feel free to leave any length of comment that you like - I like them!

  9. Shellie says:
    July 25, 2009 at 3:28 PM

    @ Anonymous #1 - Don't you worry, the saree count will go up for sure! Glad you enjoyed the post.

    @ Anonymous#2 - Don't think me too ignorant, but what does WASP stand for? Also, Wow! I'm certainly impressed with the # of sarees and that you wear them exclusively. Mine only venture out of my closet once in a while, though if I had some salwaar kameez I would probably just wear those. I fear I love SRK more than my hubby (what's your secret?), but I know what you mean about it getting under your skin. I feel like I can't get enough India! Thanks for dropping by!

    @ bollywooddeewana - Love your story! I wish I'd been exposed to bollywood when I was younger, if only to have that history with it. I think it's wonderful when you find new things to enjoy (I also quite enjoyed the Spice Girls), but I think there's something about rediscovering things you loved in your past (though sometimes you find that the love isn't there any longer as I recently discovered with the reunion of NKOTB). I'm glad you rediscovered your love for bollywood, as I love reading your blog!

  10. Anonymous Says:
    July 26, 2009 at 1:17 AM

    WASP - means White Anglo Saxon Protestant - a term very familiar to most people residing in the UK and Down Under!

    This is Anon1 (a desi gal!) responding to your query.

    Hopefully Anon2 will respond to your query too. Anon2 Wow i am really impressed about the sarees you have!

  11. Anonymous Says:
    July 26, 2009 at 7:46 AM

    THis is Anon2 - and yes, as anon1 said, WASP means White Anglo Saxon Protestant....just sort of a generic term for caucasians of no particular defining heritage or faith. I love this and other bollywood blogs for the same reason as shell said - to find other people who share the obsession. I don't know why sarees in particular captured me, but they sure have. The colors - the different kinds of weaves and wraps - it's like the world's best-kept secret - how can every woman not want to wear one? They are feminine w/o being lewd, hiding and revealing as much as the wearer is comfortable with. They also lend a great deal of dignity, I feel, to every wearer. Having said that - I will admit they take some investment of time and energy to learn the wraps and how to wear them as you move through your day. I live in small town, and I suppose people here are finally used to me going about in them. ANd, as for loving my husband as much as I am besotted with SRK, it may be because my hubby also has brown eyes, a big nose, smokes too much, is short, and loves the movies as much as I do. He has a particular thing for Rani - so if there's a movie with both SRK and Rani - well , we're in heaven. Our grown children (20 somethings) are a bit perplexed - but they see it makes us very happy with life and eachother - so they stay mum. As I said to a friend who inquired about "bollywood" , watching the movies makes me want to be a better person - a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend - plus - the dancing - who can;t love that?

  12. Shellie says:
    July 26, 2009 at 8:31 AM

    @ Anon #1 - thanks for clearing that up for me - I had no idea.

    @ Anon #2 - thanks also. I love my sarees, but only really know how to tie them one way, and I have to improvise as I don't own any petticoats and have no shirts made to go with them. At the store I frequent they have loads and loads of cheap unfinished sarees, but if you're looking for one that's completely done with finished edges and matching top, then it costs something like $300 Cdn - which is a little too rich for me. I have yet to venture out of my house in one though. The city I live in has a small Indian population and I think I'm wary of offending them somehow. I've ventured out once wearing a bindi, but that was it.

    You are lucky that you can share with your hubby. Mine made fun of me for a long time, until I dragged him to see Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which he said he liked, specifically the minute and a half that Preity was on screen. However, he's yet to watch another with me. That's awesome that yours shares it with you.

    Thanks for sharing your great story with me!

  13. ajnabi says:
    July 27, 2009 at 3:22 PM

    Shell, I'm so surprised that KANK pulled you into Bollywood! Then again, Devdas pulled me in and it's pretty egregious, so I guess whatever works. ;-)

  14. Shellie says:
    July 27, 2009 at 6:47 PM

    Yes, Ajnabi, I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a beginner's movie, but I probably wouldn't recommend Devdas either. I do, however, think it's a testament to the seductive powers of Bollywood that even dark movies such as these can suck you in. I've always loved movies though, so it was an easy sell for me.

  15. Filmi Girl says:
    July 29, 2009 at 12:42 PM

    I hope I never grow out of celebrity crushes!!

    My aunt Gretchen is well into her 40s and still fangirls over things, so I know I'm not alone! ;) They are a good outlet for emotions that might otherwise come out in bad ways, you know?

    Anyways, I haven't seen KANK yet - it seemed "too serious" for me, which is funny considering you laughed your way through! Maybe it's best with a friend along... :)

  16. Shellie says:
    July 29, 2009 at 6:26 PM

    Filmi Girl - well it's certaily good to know that I am not alone in the celebrity crush category.

    KANK is totally a serious film, and my laughing was totally out of place, but I just could help myself. "It's the season of pain"? Come one! That's just begging to be made fun of!

    Thanks for stopping by!

  17. Anarchivist says:
    July 30, 2009 at 5:03 AM

    My first Bollywood movie was "Partner" -- at the time, little did I know that mocking Salman Khan's perpetually unfortunate wardrobe choices would become a full-blown hobby. :)

    It was ridiculous, but I was intrigued. Then I think I checked out "Fanaa" from the public library, which I quite liked, but it didn't turn me into a raging fanatic.

    Then came that fateful day, when "Om Shanti Om" came to town. You always hear about movies or books that'll "change your life." And lo, it came to pass: "Om Shanti Om" (and all it stood for)changed my life.

    Now I have so much to watch, so much to read, so much to learn. My Hindi is coming along slowly (which I blame on the "so much to do!" distractions), but I figure knowing any Hindi at all is a step into a larger world. (As Obi-Wan Kenobi once said).

    And I've bought a saree, but I still find the instructions mysterious. Someday!

  18. Shellie says:
    July 30, 2009 at 6:51 AM

    Namaste Anarchivist and welcome. It certainly is interesting to see which movies were the clinchers for everyone. I haven't seen Partner, but I think had I seen Salman Khan movie first I may not ventured any more. I quite enjoyed Fanaa, but again pretty serious for beginner stuff. But I totally get how Farah and her oh so wonderful Om Shanti Om could have changed your life. It is one of my absolute favorites, and even though it was one of the first I'd seen, I still watch it over and over again - plus the music is incredible and who can resist Dard-E Disco and Shah Rukh in all of his 6 pack glory. *sigh* I've even got the poster that came with the movie hanging in my studio, much to my husband's chagrin. I'd love to hear in what ways it changed your life.

    I am also trying to learn Hindi. I feel the same way, plus it's hard to retain it all when you don't use it all of the time, but march onward I will do.

    There's lots of good resources on the web for saree trying. Here's one I've found particularly useful.
    http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Wrap-a-Sari---Illustrated-Guide
    Good luck.

    Thanks again for coming by!

  19. Soul Seared Dreamer says:
    August 25, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    This was rather interesting to read Shell. I actually thought it was KHNH that you both watched first. I think it's official Shell - you watch more Indian Films than I do now.

    I still haven't watched Taare Zameen Par.. and that I really really want to see =( but for some stupid reason it has yet to be released in the UK.. Grrrrr.

    Hmm I think Ghajini might have been the last film I saw.

  20. Soul Seared Dreamer says:
    August 25, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    I find it most ironic that whilst I grew up around Indian Films I first started watching them coz I fancied a girl called Varsha back at school who absolutely adored them.. and it was merely a way of having something to talk to her about. Funny that.

  21. Shellie says:
    August 28, 2009 at 7:20 AM

    I hope you get to see Taare Zameen Par soon. I thought it was amazing and completely brilliant.
    It's funny what we'll do to have common ground with people, but I couldn't think of a better way than watching movies.

  22. Anonymous Says:
    December 30, 2009 at 8:04 AM

    Shell, I just found your blog after reading a comment you left for FilmiGirl. I love how you came to be a Bollywood addict. For me, I had watched Bride and Prejudice and asked a friend,Adarsh, if he knew any other movies with Aishwarya Rai. Adarsh recommended Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. I rented both from Netflix and was hooked. Adarsh also introduced me to a Indian market near by that rents movies, that was in 2005 and I rented over 400 movies there in the last 5 years. I know own over fifty of my favorite Bollywood movies.

  23. Shellie says:
    December 30, 2009 at 11:41 AM

    Namaste Lvrplfc4l and welcome to my blog. Are you from Liverpool? (that totally what popped up in my head from your username).
    I love hearing how people got hooked! It's not hard to imagine Aish getting her grips on anyone! It's good that you have good resources to find your flicks. I rent some online, watch some on youtube, I have one movie channel I subscribe to on tv and then I buy oodles when I venture into the nearest city with a movie store. However, I've purchased most of the movies I've seen and are left owning some real duds!
    Thanks for stopping by and hopefully you will visit again!

  24. Anonymous Says:
    December 30, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    Thanks Shell, everyone asks if I'm from Liverpool but I'm from Florida. I spent 6 years living in Europe in the 70's-80's and meet the love of my life in Greece, she was from Liverpool. Her dad indoctrinated into all things Liverpool FC, so my three loves are Karen, Bollywood and LiverpoolFC. One of the reasons I love SRK in Mohabbatein is I understand that love and loss.
    I've enjoyed exploring your blog and love of Bollywood.

  25. Shellie says:
    December 30, 2009 at 1:09 PM

    My husband has fond memories from some time he spent in Europe years ago, so I hear about it all the time. It's interesting how love can come from any corner of the world.
    Anyway, glad you are enjoying the blog. It is a labor of love for sure. Please comment anytime on anything!

  26. dink213 says:
    January 29, 2010 at 12:34 PM

    Have just started blogging and I'm thrilled to find so many Bollyfans out there. I have absolutely no one to share this quirky interest with, so finding like minded people who doesn't look (or write:)) at me funny is a bliss.
    4 years ago I went to India because it is a cheap place to spend 6 weeks of summer holyday (me myself teacher hoon). When i came back in August i missed mera India and was thrilled to see that Swedish tv was celebrating Indias independence with a whole week of Bollywood movies. KANK,k3g, munna bhai and I was sold. There is practically no place in Denmark to buy Bollywood movies, so I have been to India every summer since, just to go to a cinema and to buy movies (got about 300).
    By the way Shell I love the way you say "I had seen subtitled movies before, so the idea of watching something foreign wasn't a new one to me". In Denmark everything is subtitled and one of my favorite moments as a kid and as an adult Bollywatcher was when I realised that I didn't needed the subtitles Angrezi aur hindi to understand a movie.
    Watch "I see" with Arjun Rampal and a cameo done by your favorite hunk srk. There is a hillarious policeman in it who also learned Hindi by watching Bollywood movies.

  27. Shellie says:
    January 29, 2010 at 2:21 PM

    Namaskar dink213 and welcome to my little blogland. It seems a common theme to start a blog in order to meet individuals with the same love of Bollywood, I know that's why I started mine. Even after all this time, certain people in my every day life don't quite understand it. How fantastic that you are able to go visit India so often (I am SO jealous!). I have a plan to go in the works, but it's going to probably end up costing me several Canadian dollars just to fly there and back, so I've only just started saving. I'm hoping to get there sooner than my original plan. I would be bahut interested in hearing about your experiences there as a firangi.

    I actually have a copy of I See, and did catch Shah's small cameo and the bit about the cop, but I didn't actually get through the whole film.

    I know what you mean about the movies. I have so many that I've picked up only to realize how poor the quality is or the subs. I really should just start watching them without anyway. It could progress my Hindi much faster.

    Bahut shukriya for stopping by and saying hi. Can I ask how you found me? I love hearing from other fans, especially from all over the world. Please come back any time! I'll be sure to visit your new blog as well.

  28. Anonymous Says:
    May 1, 2010 at 2:02 PM

    i have been acloset viewer but my familly has never known..I am a father of 2 and my wife is very not much of a movie lover. She reads allot and is a teacher ..so inturn she beleaves the tv is the devil. I love how you write and your very inpresive with your feels. I just wanted to thank you for your blog.. You sound like you would be a blast a Indie movie..
    Hope to se more soon!!

  29. Shellie says:
    May 3, 2010 at 1:42 PM

    Namaskar anon! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with me. It use to find it difficult to watch movies at home, as my husband was not at all interested and often made fun of me, but he has slowly come around and now enjoys watching them every now and then. Maybe you will soon enjoy the same with your wife. I've actually never seen a film with a large group of people - I imagine it would be very much fun! One day.

    Thanks again for coming by.

  30. triShie says:
    June 16, 2010 at 7:10 PM

    Thanks, Shell, for this avenue to share our signifying moments into Bollywood!!

    My story:
    Growing up in Malaysia, I remember watching Indian films whenever I happened to catch one. I enjoy the beautiful ladies in their beautiful sari’s singing and dancing as their manly men courted them with songs and fights with goons. *how romantic is this to a little girl?!* :)

    As I grew older, life’s schedule got packed, and I gradually stopped watching… y’know, ‘Out of sight, Out of mind’? haha! But whenever I happen to catch one on TV, I always leave the couch having smiled, cried and just feeling emotional! Devdas was the last film I remember watching (2002! That’s so long ago!) and it has been my all-time favorite!

    Saturday, 13th March 2010, 9pm-ish: My life changed. It's unusual for a Hindi film to run at night, so I wasn’t aware and was 30mins late for Ghajini. That very night, I couldn’t sleep a wink! The next day I downloaded the soundtrack and listened daily, even throughout my work at the office. From Ghajini, I began a journey back to Bollywood with immense help of the internet; YouTube and blogs like yours have guided me and it’s been so exciting!

    My daily life is now showered with its films, music, Aamir Khan :) and culture (I love love love the language!) I’m on a rampage looking for DVDs. Not much available here, so, I’m saving up to buy them abroad /online.

    When I was 14, I remember telling myself that I’d like to go to India one day. 10 years later today, that desire has grown tenfold!

    Once again, thanks, Shell, for sharing your passion with us. I’m glad to have found a place where I feel I can fit in, or try to, at least! :) Here, for a Chinese to like Bollywood is still pretty rare, so you can imagine the vast reactions I’ve been getting.

    I’ve embraced Bollywood and Bollywood has embraced me.

    To many long-time Bollywood lovers, I’m a late bloomer. But, I tell them (and myself) that at least (and finally): I have bloomed! :)

  31. Shellie says:
    June 17, 2010 at 8:33 AM

    triShie - thanks for sharing your story with me! I always find it interesting to find out how people get into or even fall out of and back into love with Hindi cinema. I often wish that I had had the opportunity to grown up watching films, but then so many people say they watched as a kid and then grew out of it (though they did find their way back eventually). I think being a late bloomer, as you put it, means that you truly love it because it's your choice to do so, not because someone is making you. I find, as an adult, i have more appreciation for and are more passionate about the things that matter to me - something that I'm sure wouldn't have happened earlier in life.

    At any rate, I'm thrilled that you found your way back and if you ever have questions feel free to ask. I, myself, have only been watching for 2 years, and I don't have a whole lot of knowledge for the older stuff, but I'm trying to expand!

    ps, I checked out your blog and have to say the photography is EXELLENT!!!! Really gorgeous stuff you have on there! I love photography and dabble every once in a while for myself.

    Thanks again for stopping by. I hope you visit often!

  32. triShie says:
    June 17, 2010 at 9:05 PM

    Hey there, Shell! ..For Bollywood, i believe, once you've been touched by it, no matter how far or long you 'stray' from it, you will always find your way back. :)

    and oh! thank you for those kind words on my pictures! i'm deeply grateful! i hope you will show us some of ur photography as well! :)

    AND fer sure, i will be here often! i love everything! from ur words to the great design! Kudos!

  33. Mette says:
    January 6, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Dear Shell,
    I like your blog very much! It has an awesome layout, did you create it yourself? I also like your style of writing, which is creative and informative, but also easy to understand. I'll continue reading and following!
    I'd be happy, if you paid my blog a visit some time... It's still quite new and needs to evolve, but I'm happy.
    Mette

  34. Shellie says:
    January 18, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    @Trishie - Oh my gosh, I just realized that I never replied to your last post! Sorry :)

    I agree with you... no matter how long it is in between movies for me (and it seems very far these days), it still is a part of my every day life. Every time I get in my car, I listen to a song. Every time I wake up, I see my Shah calendar and smile. It will forever be a part of me!

    @Lime(tte)- Namaste and welcome!!! I'm so glad you like the blog. It is not my design unfortunately (I am not that talented). I needed a change from my original template so I just did a google search for free blogger templates. There's lots out there.

    I'll for sure check out your blog! Though I don't seem to find time to post on mine very often, I still find time to visit others!

    Thanks again and stop by anytime!

  35. Shellie says:
    January 18, 2011 at 3:57 PM
    This comment has been removed by the author.
  36. Gaja Gamini says:
    May 3, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    I just discovered your blog and I´m definitely adding it to my favourites!

    And since I didn´t find a better place to post, forgive me..... Next week is going to be the Magic of Madhuri week! Yes, Madhuri Dixit, one of the greatest actresses of Bollywood ever, will celebrate her 44th birthday, and at that occasion I would like to ask you to publish at least one article related to Madhuri. During the week I shall feature your article/s on my blog and give you a full credit! Please, do join in our celebration of Madhuri Dixit.

  37. Shellie says:
    May 7, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Namaste Gaja Gamini aur swagat hai! I adore Madhuri and would love to do a post of some sort. I will see what I can come up with.

    Thanks for adding me! I look forward to visiting your blog as well!

  38. Mia says:
    June 20, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    oooh your blog is killer!!!!! :) i have been here before. i am impressed. thank you for posting on my lonely little blog. the name similarity is coincidental. i figure we must be alike same fav book & the love of BW. DK is awesome. I wrote him a fan letter a few years back and he wrote me back, i framed the letter. heheh.
    i can not wait to hear about the IIFA !! so lucky!! gah. Oh and i found BW from just dance 2 the WII game, i was so mesmerized by the hindi song i went to netflix and watched my first BW movie rdbnj and was hooked.

  39. Shellie says:
    June 21, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Thanks for the wonderful compliment! I wish I had more time for blogging like I used to. Maybe one day!

    I'm amazed that a video game hooked you! That's definitely a new and interesting way! What song was it? RNBDJ was the first movie I saw in a theatre. I took my nonbolly-loving husband, and he thought it was awesome! Surinder Suri - the sweetest character ever! I just wanted to wrap him up and put him in my pocket he was so cute!

    I can't wait for IIFA... the lead up is so intense with all this stuff being announced! I hope I have time to share via twitter and facebook, but it's going to be go go go! However, I look forward to sharing everything when I get back!

  40. Mia says:
    June 21, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    http://youtu.be/13OX6lRyZ1k

    this a link to the WII game/song I love the music as much as the movies. my ipod is full of BW songs!

  41. Shellie says:
    June 29, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    Haha! I love it! I've not heard of the song, but it makes me want to get the video game!

    My ipod is loaded with Hindi songs, old, new, filmi, pop, I love it all! I have always said filmi music is fantastic because it gives you such a wide range of styles!