At the NDTV World Summit 2024, Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan expressed her delight over the global recognition of Indian films, music, dance, and fashion, emphasizing that these elements are having their moment on the world stage. In an interview with ANI, the actress highlighted how Indian cinema and its cultural richness have captured international attention, sparking widespread appreciation for the country’s artistic and creative legacy.
Global influence of Indian cinema
Kapoor, who has been one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema for over two decades, voiced her pride in the increasing international appeal of Indian films. She referenced the Oscar nomination buzz surrounding the film Laapataa Ladies and how people across the world are now watching Indian films in their original languages. “Indian films and fashion are having a very big moment. The entire world is talking about Indian films,” she said, clearly elated about how Indian cinema is being embraced globally. Kapoor emphasized that the world is now tuning in to watch more content from India, and this growing recognition is a source of immense pride for the country.
Kapoor touched on the fact that Bollywood’s unique blend of music, dance, and vibrant colors has always been a major draw for international audiences. “They love the song and dance… They love the color. They love to watch all of that,” she remarked, noting that these quintessential elements of Bollywood, which were once niche, are now being enjoyed by a global audience. She cited the iconic fashion moments from films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, specifically the famous lehenga, as examples of how deeply Indian culture resonates with people worldwide.
The rise of Indian fashion
Kareena Kapoor also turned the spotlight on Indian fashion, which, according to her, is finally getting the recognition it deserves. She pointed out that the international fascination with Indian craftsmanship and heritage is growing stronger, marking a “great moment” for the Indian fashion industry. “Indian heritage and their craftsmen are finally getting their due. Everyone is always fascinated by our nation, our culture because it is such a great heritage and tradition,” Kapoor stated.
With Indian designers like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra gaining fame on international platforms, Indian fashion has found a new home in global high-fashion circles. From red-carpet events to fashion weeks around the world, Indian attire is now more visible than ever before. Kareena herself has been an ambassador of this movement, often wearing traditional Indian designs at major international events, further strengthening the country’s influence on the world stage.
Kareena’s latest projects
While discussing the global influence of Indian films and fashion, Kareena Kapoor Khan is also making waves with her own projects. She recently garnered attention for her role in The Buckingham Murders, a mystery drama directed by Hansal Mehta. Released in theaters on September 13, the film revolves around Sergeant Jasmeet “Jass” Bhamra (played by Kareena), who is grappling with the death of her son while investigating the case of a missing boy, Ishpreet. The emotionally intense film has received critical acclaim for its performances, especially Kareena’s portrayal of a mother who must confront her grief while on a harrowing investigation.
Looking ahead, Kareena is set to appear in Singham Again, an action-packed film directed by Rohit Shetty, which is part of the popular Singham franchise. The star-studded cast includes Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Ranveer Singh. The film is scheduled for release in November 2024 and promises to be another major Bollywood blockbuster.
A bright future for Indian cinema and culture
As Indian films, music, and fashion continue to rise in prominence globally, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s optimism reflects the increasing power and influence of India’s cultural exports. Kapoor believes that this newfound global admiration is only the beginning, and that Indian cinema and fashion will continue to evolve and engage audiences worldwide.
“People are watching films in our language, which is great as we are being true to our culture and heritage,” she said, highlighting how Indian cinema’s global expansion is not just about reach, but also about staying authentic to its roots. As Kareena celebrates this moment of global recognition, she remains at the forefront of an industry that is not only entertaining but also proudly showcasing India’s rich cultural legacy to the world.
