Who's Who in Bollywood?

India produces a vast number of films in each of its major cities. The Bollywood brand of Indian cinema made in the two sister languages, Hindi and Urdu, and produced in Bombay (now known as Bollywood productions, alluding to Hollywood and Bombay) is the most widely distributed and has become big internationally mainly because of its stars. But who are these famous faces that have captivated the hearts of billions?

Every decade has had its share of teenage idols and heartthrobs. In the early sound films, the leading stars of Indian film were not only good-looking but also had to sing their own songs. The fact that heroes and heroines had to be accomplished singers limited the number of screen performers who could fit the bill - considering how important music is in Indian cinema and how intolerant audiences are of anyone singing out of tune.

By the end of the 1940s, the range of movie stars in Bombay cinema had increased vastly and soon directors and studio-owners, who had once wielded huge clout, saw star power take over. Since the 1950s, the most powerful person on set is the star, save of course for a small handful of exceptionally influential directors.

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