When we think about entertainment in India, Bollywood comes to mind. This multi-billion rupee industry has grown consistently over the last 5 years. In fact, it was growing well before the impact of coronavirus halted it. The Indian film industry is one of the oldest and largest film industries worldwide and in 2023 alone, it was worth over 197 billion Indian rupees. But entertainment here is not just about movies. Indian music, fashion, gaming, and digital content are shaping pop culture beyond their geographic boundaries.
From Bollywood beats making their way into Western pop, to Indian gamers dominating esports, India’s influence on pop culture is evident — and growing.
Bollywood isn’t just about dance numbers and romance anymore. It’s bigger, bolder, and reaches audiences everywhere. Records outside India are being broken by movies like RRR, the Indian Telugu-language drama film, and Pathaan, the Hindi-language action thriller. People worldwide love action, drama, and larger-than-life storytelling.
Hollywood stars are teaming up with Bollywood. Western musicians are mixing Indian beats into their tracks. Even global fashion is picking up Bollywood’s love for color and style.
From TikTok dance trends to packed cinemas across the world, Bollywood isn’t just entertainment — it’s shaping pop culture.
Streaming has changed everything. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ are taking Indian stories globally.
Shows like Sacred Games and Delhi Crime aren’t just hits in India, they’re winning awards and getting international recognition. Shows like Made in Heaven and Mirzapur are also gaining attention worldwide. These stories are set in rich Indian cultures but they’re being seen (and celebrated) globally. People outside of India resonate with the characters and plots. Thanks to streaming platforms, Indian content is reaching new views. What was once local is now global. These Indian TV and web series are becoming a part of wider pop culture.
YouTube and TikTok stars from India are also blowing up. Millions of people worldwide follow them for comedy, dance, and viral trends. Even Indian memes are taking over the internet. If you’ve seen a funny Bollywood clip turned into a reaction meme, you know the influence is real.
Indian music is making noise worldwide. Artists like A.R. Rahman, the rapper Badshah, and Diljit Dosanjh are appearing on global charts.
Western pop and hip-hop are picking up Indian beats. You’ll hear tabla, sitar, and desi rhythms in mainstream songs, big festivals aren’t just about EDM and rock anymore. Indian DJs and singers are now part of the lineup, bringing the energy.
Gaming in India is booming. From mobile games to online casinos, more people are playing than ever. Bollywood, cricket, and gaming are coming together in new ways. Fans can play cricket fantasy leagues, Bollywood-inspired slots, and more.
Big platforms, including those available on AskGamblers, make online gaming easy to access. Many even feature Indian themes and styles.
Esports and online gambling are also on the rise. It’s a mix of entertainment, competition, and big wins, all happening in the digital space.
Gambling and the legality of it, does vary between states. Some states have completely legalized it while others are more restrictive. Maharashtra has the most online casino players in the country but you can gamble in Goa, Daman, and Sikkim. While there are still restrictions in some areas, Indian pop culture in this regard isn’t likely to influence much.
Indian fashion is everywhere. Designers are making waves on global runways.
Bollywood style is also inspiring Hollywood. Big brands are adding Indian patterns, fabrics, and colors. Sarees, lehengas, and fusion outfits are in vogue. More people are wearing Indian jewelry and embroidered designs too. For example, at the 2024 Emmy Awards, Hollywood actress Laura Dern wore jewelry by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Famous people, like Indian actress and producer Priyanka Chopra, and the actress Deepika Padukone are setting trends. What they wear, the world follows.
Priyanka Chopra is also influencing others with more than just her attire. She is involved in different movements for a range of social causes. Chopra speaks up about gender equality and women’s rights. She will also often speak out about child marriage and education for girls.
Chopra is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She works on initiatives on health, child welfare, and education. She is vocal about mental health awareness and environmental issues. She raises awareness through her platform and uses her global influence.
Indian cuisine is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Indian-inspired dishes are popular in many countries. Even major food chains are adding Indian influences to their menus. Biryani, curry, and naan are all popular dishes. Celebrity chefs are using Indian techniques, and they’re adding spices like cardamon and turmeric to their dishes. Indian food is now a staple in many places like the UK, this includes street food and fine dining.
The way things stand, the influence of Indian pop culture on the rest of the world will continue. More people will discover Indian music, films, and fashion. Bollywood will continue to break records and reach new audiences. Indian musicians and artists will gain international recognition. Bollywood has always been popular but more and more people outside of India and niche audiences are starting to appreciate it. The interconnectivity of the world will mean things arrive quicker to the outside world.
India’s entertainment industry is shaping global pop culture. From Bollywood to music, fashion, and digital content, Indian creativity is making its mark. Indian TV, web series, and celebrities gain international recognition, the country’s cultural influence is continuing to grow. The future is certainly bright. And it’s clear that the cultural impact of India is here to stay
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