Suggestions for gifts of Indian origin

August 7, 2006 5:07 AM

Birthday gift filter: My sister has an interest in India and Bollywood, what gifts could I find her online for her birthday in just under two weeks?

My sister has her birthday in 13 days and I've yet to find a present for her. For the last six years, she's maintained an interest in India and Bollywood films (helped by having many friends from the culture, including a visit two years ago). However, I'm completely clueless to whats the most interesting items or best movies produced recently (out side of the major promotions like Bride and Prejudice). Would anyone have any suggestions for presents? Bonus points if its found through Amazon.com (free shipping for me there).

posted by Atreides to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (16 answers total)

You could buy her a copy of the dvd Bride And Prejudice. I rather enjoyed it.
posted by JamesMessick at 5:20 AM on August 7, 2006

I could suggest a few blogs that review Bollywood films and are written by Westeners. Maybe that could give you a few ideas as to what films to buy.

Filmiholic

Nothing to Declare

Beth Loves Bollywood

baba aur bollywood

Totally Basmatic

Nehaflix.com is a pretty popular site for ordering Bollywood DVDs online. Not sure what Amazon's collection is like. Hope this helps!
posted by sk381 at 5:40 AM on August 7, 2006

Bombay Dreams DVD and/or soundtrack?
posted by niteHawk at 6:14 AM on August 7, 2006

No Bride and Prejudice. No Bombay Dreams. They're just pale imitations of the real thing, IMO (and I love Bollywood films, though I rarely get around to seeing them).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:33 AM on August 7, 2006 [1 favorite]

Does she like filmi music? Amazon has some great collections of songs from the old classic movies. I have this one which someone got me a while ago, but there are plenty more.

A better 'accessible' Bollywood movie than Bride and Prejudice was Monsoon Wedding - if she hasn't seen this, I highly recommend it as a gift.
posted by darsh at 8:01 AM on August 7, 2006

Not sure how old she is, but if shes still in the collegiate poster phase you may want to try getting her some Bollywood film posters.

Couple places to start:

HERE
and
HERE
posted by ASM at 8:04 AM on August 7, 2006

Bombay The Hard Way: Guns, Cars And Sitars is a collection of 'gently' remixed Bollywood standards (common movie themes) by Dan the Automator (of Gorillaz). The result is something up-tempo of Thievery Corporation and suitable for dancing/driving/whatever. Surprising how well the sound/style fits into the Western music vocabulary.

Vol. 2 is also available, mixed by various electronica outfits (probably not as good).
posted by cowbellemoo at 8:16 AM on August 7, 2006

PLEASE don't buy her Bride and Prejudice, it was AWFUL (take it from a real live indian person whose mother is addicted to bollywood). The Bombay Dreams soundtrack is really fun, but it's also not real bollywood. I'd go for one of the CDs mentioned above (I'll second the Bombay The Hard Way CDs, they're a lot of fun), and I also recommend Rough Guide to Bollywood CD and a few others in the series. The poster idea is a great one, ASM!!
posted by echo0720 at 8:21 AM on August 7, 2006

If she doesn't already have it, buy her Gumnaam
posted by kaseijin at 11:53 AM on August 7, 2006

Here are the most popular Bollywood films of recent memory. All are available on Amazon:

Salaam Namaste
Kal Ho Na Ho
VeerZara
Devdas
Khabi Kush Khabi Gham
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

The easiest thing to would be to get her a Netflix subscription. Maybe you can tell her you'll prepay the first 3-4 months. Then she can watch Bollywood to her heart's content.

Hope this helps!
posted by unexpected at 11:57 AM on August 7, 2006

What about a nice Amitabh Bachchan t-shirt?
ok, it looks like it may only be mens sizes. poo.
posted by Lazlo Hollyfeld at 12:06 PM on August 7, 2006

Something different: Get her a nice outfit. A salwhar khameez, or a sari if you dare. She could wear it to formal events and stand out.
posted by divabat at 2:23 PM on August 7, 2006

A Tribute to Mohamad Rafi is available from Amazon.com.A double (?) DVD of one hundred clips of hit songs from Bollywood films from the early Fifties to the Seventies.Includes that outrageous song used in Ghost World 'Jaan Pehchaan Ho'.Region free too.
Golden Collection Lata Mangeshkar is a similar DVD with female vocals.They are both as cheap as chips and your sister will love you forever for getting her some authentic Indian/Bollywood culture.
posted by Dr.Pill at 3:25 PM on August 7, 2006

The CD "Radio India" is available on Amazon and is great fun. It's a mash-up of radio broadcasts that includes music, ads and talk.
posted by Zebtron at 10:02 PM on August 7, 2006

There's a clip from Gumnaam available here.
posted by dmo at 11:11 AM on August 8, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks for all the great suggestions, folks! I do believe you've helped me complete a list of presents. Hopefully, my sister will thank you all in a couple weeks.
posted by Atreides at 4:51 AM on August 9, 2006