Throughout the world, Hollywood films and TV shows cast a wide net of influence. But for the more than one billion people in India, Bollywood still reigns supreme. In fact, Bollywood and Indian culture in general are starting to have a profound influence on the world outside India’s borders. While Bollywood still hasn’t reached the same levels of Hollywood, Bollywood’s influence is so widespread that it’s worth taking a deep dive into the specific ways that Indian movies, fashion, gaming, and music are leaving their mark on the world.
Music and Dance
Indian music is gaining global momentum. People in all corners of the world can hear music in Bollywood movies. But they can also discover Indian artists on music platforms that feature performers from all over the world. As a result, artists like A.R. Rahman, rapper Badshah, and Diljit Dosanjh are finding their way onto international charts. It’s also becoming clear that Indian influences are finding their way into Western pop and hip-hop. You can hear tabla, sitar, and desi rhythms woven into mainstream tracks. Major music festivals, once dominated by EDM and rock, now feature Indian DJs and vocalists, which is only making more artists include Indian music and dance into their own performances.
Gaming
India’s gaming scene is exploding, with everything from mobile games to online casinos drawing in more players than ever. The lines between Bollywood, cricket, and gaming are blurring—fans can now enjoy cricket fantasy leagues, Bollywood-themed slot games, and much more. If you look closely at online casinos available in all corners of the world, you can see games that have been influenced by Indian culture. Even with gambling laws varying from one Indian state to the next, there are Indian-inspired designs and content that are resonating with gaming audiences all over the world.
Food
Granted, Indian food has long been exported to the rest of the world, but its global popularity is undoubtedly growing. Indian cuisine offers rich flavors and bold spices that captivate taste buds. Most major cities have Indian restaurants, but it’s gotten to the point that even international food chains are incorporating Indian elements into their offerings. Likewise, celebrity chefs are embracing Indian cooking techniques and ingredients. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Indian food has established itself as a culinary staple in countless countries. Nowadays, popular Indian dishes that have been consumed for generations in India are becoming common in all corners of the world.
Fashion
Indian and Bollywood fashion culture are also starting to make a bold statement on the global stage. Designers from India are turning heads on international runways, while Bollywood-inspired style is also leaving a mark on Hollywood. Major fashion brands are embracing Indian textiles, patterns, and vibrant colors. Traditional attire like sarees, lehengas, and fusion ensembles is trending worldwide. The same can be said for intricate jewelry and embroidery. For example, at the 2024 Emmy Awards, Hollywood actress Laura Dern wore jewelry designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, showcasing Indian craftsmanship to a global audience. Of course, the wardrobes worn by crossover stars like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are contributing to the global fashion conversation.
Movies & TV
No matter where you are in the world, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video have changed the way audiences consume movies and TV. These platforms have also helped to revolutionize how Indian stores are shared with the world. The need for unique content on these platforms has allowed Bollywood stories to find their way to a global audience. Series like Sacred Games and Delhi Crime are earning international acclaim and winning major awards. They aren’t just being seen by Indian audiences. Likewise, shows like Made in Heaven and Mirzapur are gaining worldwide attention by blending Indian settings with universal themes. Thanks to streaming platforms, Bollywood stories that are deeply rooted in Indian culture are now being celebrated far beyond the country’s borders.