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In Mongolia, Amitabh Bachchan means Hindi cinema
30th Aug 2006 09.01 IST
By Agencies

Mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan is the response at the mention of the words Hindi cinema in Mongolia. It is as if, Bachchan means Hindi cinema.

While Bollywood is spreading its wings across Asia and elsewhere, Mongolia is one place where it is on the wane.

Bollywood means badly dubbed movies on Russian television channels for most young Mongolians and a large number of them do not even understand Russian, but ask anyone at Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia in his twenties or thirties, Bachchan is the response at the mention of the words Hindi cinema.

"Jumma Chumma de de...." sings Gankhuyag Anar, a researcher in the University at Ulaanbaatar, when asked about his favourite Amitabh starrer. It is another matter that he doesn't remember the name of the movie, 'Hum', Anar says that his parents have a big collection of Hindi movies and they too are Bachchan's fans.

When Mongolia was almost an extension of the then USSR, Bollywood movies were very popular, but with the Russian language not being a favourite amongst youngsters, Bollywood it seems is a distant past.

"Mongolia has moved on, and Hollywood movies which are dubbed into Russian do well in theatres. Even youngsters watch them, but they don't have the patience to watch Hindi cinema, that too in Russian, on television," says Becche Ochir, an investment advisor, who is a fan of Bollywood movies.

For most middle-aged Mongolians, it is the movies of the eighties and nineties. Whether it is 'Sharaabi' 'Khuda Gawah' or 'Hum' - incidentally all Bachchan starrers, that they can recall as their great days of Hindi cinema watching. Ask them if they can name any new star... Shah Rukh Khan is the answer.

Even the video libraries in the capital do not store Hindi movies because of non-existent demand for the same. It was during the videocassette days that Hindi movies could be found in plenty, but not now, says a video corner owner at Ulaanbaatar.

India is referred to as the spiritual neighbour by most Mongolians. While Bollywood has not been successful in holding its banner aloft in this country of two-and-a half-million, it is Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine which represent India in Mongolia.

"More than one million Mongolians follow the teachings and meditation techniques taught by the "Art of Living foundation' and for now India here means yoga" says Azzaya, a public relations professional.

For older Mongolians, who can understand Russian, Hindi cinema is still a preferred choice. Probably the reason why, Ochir referred to SRK starrer Asoka being shown on a Russian Channel.

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