A Belgian in love with Indian cinema

At a time when some politicians are avoiding sharing dais with megastar Amitabh Bachchan at public functions, a Belgian writer-photographer is eager to meet the yesteryear angry man.
       
Geraldine Langlois, who has captured various moods and shades of the Indian film industry, especially Bollywood, in her book - The Essence of Indian Cinema, is fascinated with Big B's acting skills. The book was released by Belgian Prince Phillippe, who was here last month.

"Amitabh Bachchan is my inspiration and because of him I am able to release my book. I am looking forward to meet
him," a beaming Geraldine said.

She said the book has taken seven years of hard work and painstaking research. It is a fine collection and compilation of some of the finest moments of Indian cinema, and has chapters on filmstars and directors with whom she shares excellent personal rapport, Geraldine said.

The book presents the Bollywood industry, with its financial power and glamour, alongside the more realistic and authentic 'parallel' cinema.

"From the parallel cinema I am fond of Malayalam filmmaker and National Award winner Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasarvalli's works. My favourite actress is none other than Bollywood heartthrob Kareena Kapoor, and I am also fond of Nandita Das," she said.

She has captured in her book portraits of actors, directors and producers on film-sets at gala evenings in relaxed settings in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata.

"My romance with the camera began during my first brief visit to Kolkata in 1992, where I saw young street children fascinated by films and posters plastered around walls. Such scenes are common in Belgium," she said.
       
Geraldine feels that Indian cinema has immense potential, and in the coming years, it will become a global brand like Hollywood, because of its vast reach in places like Africa, Gulf, Russia and Far East.