Bollywood is finding itself in foreign waters nowadays. What we mean is that more and more phoren stars are being seen in desi films, whether it is to add a glam factor or for an itsy-bitsy role. When it comes to Indian cinema, international artistes are in demand and some have even left an impression in Tinsel Town. “Indian cinema has a passionate relationship with international artists. No matter where the cinema goes, we cannot afford to lose the sight of this culture,” says actress Shama Sikander who has acted in many Hindi and South-Indian movies. And closer home, regional films, especially Kannada cinema has been host to many faces like Yana Gupta (in Jogi), and models like Nathalia Kaur (in Dev s/o Mudde Gowda) and Scarlet Wilson (in Prem Adda, Mahanadi). Kannada film director Indrajit Lankesh, who has roped in foreign faces like Mona Lisa and Nathalia in his films, started the trend in Karnataka. Indrajit justifies, “When we need a song to portray the local culture, we take local artists, but when the canvas is contemporary and requires an international feel, then a pretty foreign face is always welcome. Also the character sometimes requires us to use foreign faces and I’m glad I started this trend.” And Kannada actor Akshay feels, “International stars have more scope here.” International singer Akon who ruled the charts with his Chammak Challo song was rated high with the novelty factor. Shella Alan, Jacqueline Fernandes, and Amy Jackson have spiced up the entertainment factor with their ventures too. Abhinav Deo, director of Delhi Belly feels, “Everyone in Bollywood constantly needs fresh faces, acts and even sounds. As a result there is a desire to introduce freshness. Since many movies are character driven, it demands an international face to attract the footfalls.” Hollywood actor Denise Richards made a much-hyped appearance in Akshay Kumar’s Kambakth Ishq, besides other artistes like Alice Patlen and Rachel Shelley wooing the audience with performances in Aamir Khan’s Rang De Basanti and Lagaan, respectively. “With the presence of an international figure, the glam quotient of the film increases but it also depends on who you choose,” says Shama adding, “Since Indian cinema has always had a friendly environment to offer international artistes are welcomed with open arms.” The latest release Grand Masti features Brazilian model Bruna Abdullah in the lead. Tata Young, Scarlett Mellish Wilson and Hazel Keech popped into the cinema world as item girls. “Their talent contributes to the film as much as local actors,” agrees actor Arif Zakaria. Abinay Deo adds, “They add a glam factor, but it’s the other way round as well. Amitabh Bachchan in The Great Gatsby, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Pink Panther 2, and Irrfan Khan in Life of Pi have made a mark in Hollywood.” Well, as long as the going is good and the film industry benefits, nobody is really complaining. — Mamta Sharma
