Embedded Files
"I feel, all around, that my life is enriched by music."
My Movie 54.movCan you tell me about the kind of music you were exposed to growing up in the US? How did it differ from Indian music?
Can you tell me about the kind of music you were exposed to growing up in the US? How did it differ from Indian music?
American Music
American Music
Madonna
Indian Music
Indian Music
Asha Bhosle
When you have visited India, did you notice differences in how music was integrated into television or movies compared to the US?
When you have visited India, did you notice differences in how music was integrated into television or movies compared to the US?
Hist 2.movLink to Alexander Hamilton on Broadway: Found Here
Link to Dilwale: Found Here
Bollywood and Broadway appear as more similar Bollywood and a Hollywood movie since both focus on sharing their story via music. Both blend a narrative with song/dance sequences. This aren’t just decorative, but they are essential to emotional progression and character expression. Both forms of media demonstrate heightened drama, vibrant choreography, and a theatrical element. While Hollywood often treats musical elements as a separate genre, Bollywood and Broadway include them in the core of the experience, making performance itself a primary means of storytelling.
Host 3.movHow does Indian music make you feel connected to your heritage? Have you ever noticed certain musical styles or songs in American media that reference Indian music? How do you feel about that?
How does Indian music make you feel connected to your heritage? Have you ever noticed certain musical styles or songs in American media that reference Indian music? How do you feel about that?
Examples of American (or Western) songs with noticeable Indian / South Asian musical influence: Come & Get It by Selena Gomez, Lean On by Major Lazer, Hymn for the Weekend by Coldplay, and many more.
Electric Guitar
Drums
Flute
Piano
Harmonium
Tabla
Dhol
Host 7.movHave you noticed a difference in how younger generations, either in India or in the US, engage with music in media?
Have you noticed a difference in how younger generations, either in India or in the US, engage with music in media?
Link to Sting's song Desert Rose: Found Here
Are there moments when music in media made you reflect on your identity as an Indian American?
Are there moments when music in media made you reflect on your identity as an Indian American?
Host 4.movHist 5.movCan you tell me about the dance team you started in college? What inspired you to start it?
Can you tell me about the dance team you started in college? What inspired you to start it?
Shown above are three scanned pages from a scrapbook my mother made my father when they became engaged!
Left: The top 2 images show my mom following the Fall 1992 debut Sitara Diwali performance. Right under this on the left shows my mom, dad, and three of his roommates. (Fun fact: the red saree my mom is wearing was my grandmother's wedding dress)!
Middle: The top image is another photograph after the initial Diawli show. Under that are my parents after the Sitara Diwali show in 1994.
Right: On the top left you can see a full length view of my mom's saree. The bottom right shows my mom after another Sitara performance she had.
How did music influence the style of dances you performed? Did you incorporate Indian music or fusion styles?
How did music influence the style of dances you performed? Did you incorporate Indian music or fusion styles?
Host 6.mov
Sitara Now
Sitara Then
Funny clip hist .movSide note: the perks of interviewing family.
Side note: the perks of interviewing family.
Seen above is a clip after the interview while I was still recording. You can hear my mom recount a funny story that she didn't think was interview worthy. Sometimes it is indeed these stories that result in the most authentic work. (I recieved her permission later to include this clip). She shared information about a family friend that was in love with her while she was dating my father. He visited my mom at Cornell and attended the Fall 1992 debut Sitara Diawli performance. With limited video cameras, my mom was excited that he had one and taped her show. However, once she rejected his marriage proposal, he refused (and continues to not) share these videos. (I remain hopeful that one day I will see these videos and my mom's show).
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