“But... these titles don’t fit in with our lists.”
Of course they don’t. Because Bollywood fiction books for children don’t exist.
Fast forward another 15 years: I can barely believe it. Starlet Rivals, based on the nepotism theme that I had witnessed in the industry in the 1990s and that is still rife in Bollywood, has just been published. I’m delighted that diverse publishers like Lantana Publishing exist. Because, as Lantana’s slogan goes: “All children deserve to see themselves in the books they read” The publishing industry has made great strides since I set out on my journey in 2007 with the idea of the Bollywood Academy books in my head. It’s great to see many diverse authors, publishers, and characters in fiction books. But we need more. During the 15-year period from conception to publication, I never stopped passionately believing in my project. I even created Bollywood- themed writing workshops complete with Bollywood dancing to test out my idea. I was stunned to see both boys and girls, both Asian and non-Asian students completely enthused.
Although I felt confused at times about how I would eventually break through, this genuine enthusiasm from the children was what kept me going. Publishers might be doubtful about the
appeal of these books but I had seen first- hand, over and over, that there was a space for them.
Bollywood films are watched by an estimated three billion people around the world, in cinemas alone, over the course of a year. Add Netflix, Disney and Amazon Prime streaming and the figures must be astronomical.
Hindi movies are screened regularly in all cinema houses across the UK. They are enjoyed by viewers in countries like Russia, Morocco, China where the Hindi language is not even spoken. The 2017 movie Secret Superstar, produced and starring Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, did average business of £11m on its Indian release. On its China release in 2018, it grossed more than £115m. The worldwide total is now £128m. It’s clear that the Hindi film industry has a global appeal and with so many people of Indian-origin living in different countries around the world, I hope the Bollywood Academy series will help to connect them to their country of origin as well as the film industry.
I’m also hoping that Starlet Rivals will encourage the film industry to look at how
Autumn-Winter 2022
nepotism is hindering, not helping Bollywood. Everyone likes to see a star son or daughter make it in Bollywood but it would be great for more talented outsiders to get opportunities. Nepotism has a stranglehold on the industry and it’s time talent was given priority over family connections. I hope the Bollywood Academy series will promote Bollywood into communities all around the world. The musical films have the colour and magic we all need in our lives from time to time. They offer hope, optimism and escapism from our daily troubles.
Fast forward 15 years into the future: I’m at the film premiere of Bollywood Academy: Starlet Rivals – with my friends, family and team Lantana. The other books in the series are currently being shot in locations across India. If you’re going to dream, dream big… dream Bollywood-style. PEN&INC.
Starlet Rivals (978 191524 4000) is published by Lantana and is available to buy online at
https://uk.bookshop.org/ books/starlet-rivals/9781915244000 and in all good bookshops.
PEN&INC. 27
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