Rajesh Talwar, International Award-Winning Author
- Early school experiences with essay writing
- Love for reading, influenced by family
Podcast
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Overview
Renowned author Rajesh Talwar joins TBCY to discuss his book Bollywood, Hollywood and the Future of World Cinema, his career journey, and the future of Indian and global cinema. Dive into the highlights of this fascinating conversation through key moments and topics explored.
00:55 — The Early Spark: Discovering the Power of Storytelling
- Early school experiences with essay writing
- Love for reading, influenced by family
- Discovery of talent in storytelling
02:20 — From Writing to the United Nations: A Global Journey
- Academic path to the UN through writing and published books
- Influence of real-life experiences in war zones such as Somalia, Liberia, and Kosovo
- Inspiration for fictional works set in Afghanistan and England
05:25 — Bollywood’s Global Reach & the Rise of Soft Power
- Personal passion for cinema
- Cinema’s evolving role in global and Asian soft power
- Stories from travels revealing Bollywood’s global reach in Somalia, Liberia, Taiwan, Egypt, and China
09:02 — Celebrity Influence & the Hidden Layers of Stardom
- Use of star power to engage readers, including Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit
- Exploring lesser-known dimensions of celebrity lives and influence
- Connecting popular appeal with deeper industry issues
14:27 — Human Rights, Exploitation & Reform in the Film Industry
- Focus on human rights abuses in the film industry, not just sensationalism
- Undervalued hardships faced by extras, dancers, and support staff
- Need for fair wages, better working conditions, and professionalisation
14:55 — Accountability, Unions & Structural Change in Cinema
- Steps toward reform, such as registered FIRs
- Recommendations for a national tribunal for industry accountability
- Issues with exploitative unions, especially in regional cinema
15:41 — Regional Cinema’s Global Impact
- The crucial role of regional cinema as “peer competitors” to Bollywood
- Strong international diaspora support, including Rajinikanth’s popularity in Japan and Malaysia
- Importance of collaboration within Indian cinema and with countries such as Japan and Korea
19:07 — The Contradictions & Genius of A.R. Rahman
- Rahman’s artistic success despite personal contradictions
- Art as a force that transcends logic and personal beliefs
- Anecdotes about Rahman’s humility and creative inspiration
21:15 — Satyajit Ray, Perfectionism & Missed Opportunities
- Ray’s extreme perfectionism and reluctance to delegate
- Missed opportunities with Hollywood collaborations due to differing working styles
- Discussion on perfectionism versus productivity
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Rajesh Talwar: LinkedIn
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Why write now about Bollywood and Hollywood? Rajesh Talwar says the balance of power is shifting toward Asia. India’s influence—culturally and economically—is surging, and so is its cinematic prestige worldwide.
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Profile
- Rajesh Talwar is a renowned author known for his diverse writings on law, society, culture, and cinema.
- He is the author of Bollywood, Hollywood and the Future of World Cinema, which explores the evolution and future of the global film industry.
- Rajesh brings a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing from his experiences as a writer, legal expert, and commentator on contemporary issues.
