Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, in conjunction with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), are proud to be exhibiting 'Cinema India : The Art of Bollywood'. Featuring works from pre-independent India to the present day, 'Cinema India : The Art of Bollywood' charts the historical, political and cultural changes experienced by the country, as seen through the eyes of the Indian film industry.

The show is a celebration of Indian cinema, exploring its various manifestations and evolution thorugh the years. The posters cover many classic films like the Oscar nominated epic 'Mother India'; Sholay (with its distinctive and influential typography) and recent blockbusters such as Lagaan and Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham.

Highlights of the Cinema India exhibition include:

Landmark poster images from the V&A's collection from the 1950s to the present day. Chronologically arranged sections that explore major themes in the development of Indian cinema.

Hoarding artists from India specially commissioned to demonstrate the unique art of hand-painting hoardings at BMAG. They will produce two works on site providing a rare opportunity for the public to watch this fascinating technique.

Lobby photo cards used to decorate cinema interiors and film booklets, which are unique to Indian cinema and contain song lyrics, photographs and a film synopsis.

Work by contemporary artists who have been influenced by or used Bollywood images also showcasing work by local schools and community groups from the Midlands

Classic Indian jewellery, clothing and beauty - a rare glimpse of evocative objects utilised, and inspired by Indian cinema.

A variety of films, musical / dance performances, and interactive workshops planned throughout the exhibition.

The hoarding painting demonstrations will be by Balkrishna Art, one of the original companies from Mumbai that have been producing this type of artwork for decades; with the skills passed down from generation to generation. They have previously done similar exhibitions and interactive works in progress at both the V&A in London , and the Harris Museum – Preston. They will be painting from Tue 23rd March 2004 to Wed 31st March 2004

EVENTS SCHEDULE

All events are free admission and do not need prior booking *except where stated. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Events, dates and times are subject to change. All events take place at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square unless otherwise indicated.

HOARDING PAINTERS: IN SESSION

Balkrishna Art are one of the pioneers of film art; and have been specially commissioned to produce two works of art on site at BM&AG. This is a rare opportunity to see them practise their fascinating technique first-hand, and is a chance to speak to these unique artists from Mumbai.

Mon 22 March, Wed 24 March, Fri 26 March,
Sun 28 March & Tue 30 March
Afternoon Session: 1pm - 4pm

Tue 23 March, Thu 25 March, Sat 27 March,
Mon 29 March & Wed 31 March
Morning Session: 11am - 2pm

BOLLYWOOD DANCE WORKSHOPS WITH REENA TAYLOR

Swing to the Bolly beat as Reena introduces you to practical dancing - Desi style!!

Dates: Saturday 3rd April, Saturday 1st May & Saturday 12th June
Times: 10.30am - 11.30am, 2.15pm - 3.15pm, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Age guide: 10 upwards
** Thursday 15th April, Blakesley Hall, 1pm - 3pm

POSTERS ON CARD WORKSHOP WITH MATTHEW KRISHNAU

Make your own colourful Bollywood style posters in these open, drop-in workshops.

Dates: Saturday 27th March & Saturday 3rd April
Times: 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 4pm
Age guide: All ages, Family sessions

SILK PAINTINGS & TEXTILES WORKSHOP WITH NEEMITA DABLI

Make your own colourful batik paintings using a range of designs, or simply your own creation in this interactive drop-in session

Date: Tuesday 6th April
Time: 1pm - 3.30pm
Age guide: All ages, Family sessions

AN INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN MUSIC
WITH MANVEER SINGH & CARL PEBERDY

Interactive musical workshops where you have the chance to learn about authentic Indian instruments such as the tabla and sitar, with an opportunity to play the instruments. Open session

Dates: Saturday 10 April, Saturday 8 May & Saturday 12 June
Time: 1pm - 1.45pm
Age guide: 10 upwards, Family sessions

GALLERY TALK WITH DIVIA PATEL - CURATOR, V&A

Divia Patel takes you through the gallery and gives you an insight into the exhibition, and the various themes Cinema India explores

Date: Wednesday 14th April
Time: 1pm

BODY ART & MEHNDI BY NASREEM RAJABALI

Find out about the ancient art of mehndhi (also known as henna painting) - beautiful patterns painted onto the skin using a natural dye. Have a go yourself at this intricate body art!!

Date: Thursday 15th April
Time: 12.30pm - 4pm
Age guide: All ages, Family sessions

YOGA - 'FREE YOUR MIND' WITH YOGIRAJ ARJUNA

Physical enlightenment and astral body purification through Hatha Yoga. This form of Yoga prepares the body for the spiritual path, using physical movement and breathing exercises; to channel your flow of energy towards ‘self-knowledge’.

Dates: Saturday 10 April, Saturday 17 April & Saturday 24 April
Times: 10th: 2pm - 3.30pm, 17th & 24th: 1pm - 2.30pm
Age guide: Participants must be over 18

'BOLLYWOOD & BEYOND': POPULAR HINDI CINEMA

Talk by Rajinder Dudrah - An introduction to Bollywood; a talk on Indian Cinema, and its’ evolution in the international arena

Date: Saturday 29th May
Time: 2pm

'BOLLYWOOD BABES' - BOOK READING BY NARINDER DHAMI ‘

The author of ‘Bend it like Beckham’ reads excerpts from her new book, with live performances from some real Bollywood Babes - In conjunction with Young Readers Birmingham

Date: Thursday 3rd June
Age guide: 7 - 11yrs
Time: 11am - 12pm

BOLLYWOOD SINGLES NIGHT
WITH SOUND SYSTEM BY SHAANTI
FEAT. LIVE PERFORMANCE BY SHEEMA MUKHERJEE (SITAR)

The ever-popular Singles Night with a Bollywood twist. Shaanti will be playing an eclectic mix of Eastern Beats in their lounge session, whilst the renowned Sheema Mukherjee will be performing a blend of sitar, jazz and funk. Saree’s and Nehru jackets optional as you sashay to eastern beats.

*Booking is essential: £5 on 0121 303 1966
Date: Friday 18th June
Time: 6pm - 9.30pm

JEWELLERY WORKSHOP - ASIAN WOMEN'S TEXTILE GROUP

Jewellery making demonstration, with a chance to make your own jewellery akin to the elaborate adornments showcased in Indian cinema. Drop-in session for families.

Date: Wednesday 2nd June
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter**

DANCE OF TRADITION - KATHAK PERFORMANCE

Come and see the acclaimed Hina Chavda perform Kathak, a traditional dance form originating from Northern India

Date: Saturday 12th June
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter**