Growing up, I never felt torn between the worlds of where I lived and where my family came from.  My
parents managed to provide us with a balanced foundation where our
Pakistani culture never felt forced and the American lifestyle never
felt inaccessible.  Whether
my mom roasted chicken or cooked it Tandoori-style, it all seemed normal to us.  Our weekends consisted of museum visits, park picnics and lots of family events.          

 
In
fact, it was usually other people who would see me as different and
over the years, I have noticed a shift in their perception towards the
South Asian region.  Since I was a little girl, people always asked me where I was from.  I guess my brown skin assured them I could not be from “ America ”.  Adding to their confusion would be my reply of “I’m from Brooklyn !”  I’m not certain what people from Brooklyn look like but surely, they could not have looked like me.   

That
was then, and this is now: Hot on the heels of the success of Slumdog
Millionaire, it seems everyone is talking about Bollywood; India ’s
film industry.  For me, my background has always been a source of pride and has enhanced my character and personality.  However,
I think back to my childhood and high school days and remember how my
peers felt conflicted and confused because of their culture.  Undoubtedly, this film has given them instant validation and the coolness factor. 

 
The
initial buzz surrounding the movie; coupled with eight Oscar wins; has
created its unprecedented success here in the U.S. The rags-to-riches
storyline set in the slums of Mumbai definitely captivated me from the
very beginning.  This movie tackled gritty
subject material and complemented it with an underlying theme of
optimism. Although the film is a reality for many impoverished
populations, the universal principles of hope, inspiration and love
struck a chord with all types of audiences. 

 
Slumdog
Millionaire joins the ranks of other atypical Bollywood sensations such
as Monsoon Wedding, Bend it Like Beckham and The Namesake.  These
movies successfully managed to blend the West and East through its
stories and characters; connecting viewers who hail from either sides
of the globe. The crossover appeal of such films has been so powerful
that people who had never heard of Bollywood, are now obsessed with
this cultural phenomenon. 

 

New York has been Bollywood-friendly for quite some time since this city comprises of various cultures and ethnicities.  Being
on the cutting edge of all things popular, New York is well-acquainted
with bhindis, henna and bhangra music; which is why Bollywood fits in so naturally.  Suddenly, the peasant tops and beaded sandals in my closet are the most-sought after items in department stores.  Ultimately,
it is nice to see South Asians finally being recognized and
appreciated; even if it took a few fine slumdogs to make it happen.