URL: http://bethlovesbollywood.blogspot.com/
Site Name: Beth Loves Bollywood
Categories: Reviews, Editorials, Humor
Rating: PG-13
What is the main focus of your site (reviews, editorials, news, lists, etc.)?
Primarily, I review Hindi-language popular cinema (that is, Bollywood, though sometimes I avoid the word because some people find it derogatory) and talk about its stars, themes, conventions, etc. I occasionally write about other kinds of Indian films, either popular cinema from other languages (Telugu, Tamil, etc.) or art/parallel films (such as those made by the National Film Development Corporation).
What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
I started blogging about Bollywood when I started watching the movies, about three and a half years ago, because I was completely taken with them but didn’t know anyone in my town who also liked them, and all my energy had to go _somewhere_, so I wrote! I was desperate to learn more about Indian film, culture, history, languages, etc., as well as to watch more and more movies, and to process what I was thinking (which involved discussing what I had learned). Over time, I have made many good friends through other Indian film-related blogs and sites. So the purpose of my blog is to communicate about what I’ve learned (and that involves hearing from people – in no way do I want to just talk and have nobody comment – that’s boring!) with similarly interested people, no matter if they’re completely new to Indian films, grew up with them, are from India, the US, Russia, whatever, whether they’re experts or not. As long as they’re willing to talk with me and explain their opinions, then I want to get to know them.
Do you prefer an interactive ‘community’ for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers are the students?
Ahhh, I did not read all the questions before answering. Definitely interactive community. I’m in no position to teach. I’m in an position to discuss. That said, I am not active on the huge English-language Bollywood forum (bollywhat.com) because I find it to be too big and there are a lot of posts on it that I find brainless or off putting due to attacking tone, horrible spelling, loooong embedded quotes and forwards, etc.
How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
3.5 years. I post at least once a week. Most of my posts are movie reviews (or what I label as “thoughts on movies”), but I also write about books/articles, the representation of Indian movies in other films/TV, the very occasional gossip about a celebrity, Bollywood stage shows (where stars dance and lip synch live!), and aspects of Indian cultures, history, etc. that I have investigated or experienced because of my interest in movies.
Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Main Hoon Na, a tribute to and parody of many Bollywood conventions; Pillow Talk, because it is hilarious (and needs to be remade into a Hindi film, I’ve decided); and Grosse Pointe Blank, because dark, biting comedy with great performances will always be my favorite.
How did you hear about the LAMB?
Through the writer of Die, Danger, Die, Die, Kill!
Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that’s not listed above.
None at the moment!
Tags: Beth Loves Bollywood