The Indian film industry is one of the largest in the world, with over 2,000 films released every year.
Formerly known as Bombay Cinema, the name "Bollywood" is derived from Bombay and Hollywood.
Bollywood was not always so flashy and colorful as the Bollywood we see now.
India's history has largely influenced the content and types of films that were produced throughout the years, from it's days of British colonial rule, to independence and to it's partition.
The industry is still transforming and growing as one of the world's multimillion film industry.
This timeline serves as a helpful guide to how Bollywood has transformed and gives you a feel of what was popular during that era. To get started, scroll down and click an image.
Early history (1890s–1940s)
The Golden Age (late 1940s–1960s)
Classic Bollywood (1970s–1980s)
New Bollywood (1990s–present)
Early history (1890s–1940s)
The first feature film in India was the Dadasaheb Phalke's silent film Raja Harishchandra (1913).
The industry began to slowly grow in the 1920s, where films were usually historical or mythological.
India's first sound film (or talkie) and commercial success was Alam Ara, which was released in 1931 which then started a popular wave of musicals and talkies.
Color films then began to show, the first being Kisan Kanya.
In the 1930s and 40s, the social and politcal climate of the time was an inspiration for many filmakers.
The Indian Independence movement inspired many escapist and nationalist plays and movies, such as Mother India.
Following Indian independence and the parition, India's film industry started showing a new wave of films.
Below you can find India's first feature film in full.
The Golden Age (late 1940s–1960s)
The beginning of India's modern film was during the period after India's independence.
The success and legacy of the films produced in this era are what framed this era as "The Golden Age" of Indian cinema.
Films that were released during this time focused on social injustices (mainly which focused on the working class) and encouraged social reform.
Examples of such iconic films are Awaara (1951), Ganga Jumana (1961) and Pyaasa (1957).
Famous legendary actors during this time were: Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand. You can watch the iconic Awaara (1951) below.
Classic Bollywood (1970s–1980s)
The Classic age of Bollywood was definied by romantic musicals and crime films featuring gangsters and rebellious young men.
The term "Bollywood" was born in this era and the formulaic "masala" films began to take place, a combination of action, drama, romance, etc.
One of the iconic films of this era was Sholay(1975) an action-adventure "masala" film which featured Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most successful and influential actors of the 70s.
Below is one of the songs from the movie:
New Bollywood (1990s–present)
Bollywood in the 90s was defined by family-centered romance films.
The story-lines focused on the importance of family values and the innocence of love.
Famous films of this era are cited to be "nostalgic" for any 90s Bollywood kid.
These include: Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).
The 90s also gave us the "Three Khans" which includes popular actors Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.
The three are still active in films today and are known as legends.
Shah Rukh Khan is one of India's the most revered and treasured actors. He is called "King Khan" and "The King of Romance".
You can find a song from one of his famous 90s movies below.
The 2000s was defined by Bollywood scenes in other countries due to the rise of Indian community overseas, some movies from this era are Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004) and Dhoom 2 (2006) which feature popular actresses Kareena and Karishma Kapoor.
Present day Bollywood is defined by actors like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, where formulaic masala films are still popular.
The films focus on various topics from love, to the Indian rap scene to historical re-telling.
The famous actors and actresses of present day Bollywood are Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor.
Their films have been some of the most famous and highest grossing of present day, the chart below shows the increase in revenue as well as the projected revenue for next year.
You can find some 2000s and present day Bollwood songs below.
Source: Source: Deloitte Report - Economic Contribution of the Indian Motion Picture and Television Industry