Bollywoody Morocco

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The shopkeeper in the Afghan store in Dortmund, Germany looks at me as I step in. He smiles and asks,”India?” I nod. Immediately Bollywood,  some names of famous actors and films flow into the conversation. I never thought Bollywood would also become a part of my identity in a foreign country. The century old film industry has kept pace with globalization and has a huge share in the world market. This story documents the Bollywood industry in Marrakesh, from the first cinema hall that showed Bollywood movies to private home video collections and antique dealers trading in old Bollywood posters. A television set switched on to a Bollywood movie is a common sight in most shops. A local film about a Moroccan boy who aspires to be like his ideal  Bollywood hero was playing in cinemas during my visit and the newspapers reported that in a few days Indian actors would be attending the Marrakesh International Film Festival that year. Strangely Bollywood is not only a part of my identity, it is a shared identity, shared with millions across the globe.

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