Indian Music and Cinema in the U.S.
Indian music and cinema may not always take center stage in the American mainstream, but they remain powerful and enduring pillars of Indian culture. With roots that stretch back centuries, both art forms showcase a rich tapestry of genres, rhythms, and stories that reflect India’s diverse heritage.
From the spiritual depth of classical ragas to the infectious energy of Bollywood dance tracks, Indian music offers something for every listener. At the same time, Indian films—renowned for their vibrant visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable soundtracks—have won the hearts of movie lovers around the world. Together, they’ve helped Indian music and film culture find its place in the U.S., influencing everything from pop music to global cinema trends.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the influence of Indian music and cinema on American arts and culture. We’ll also share where you can experience this lively culture for yourself, whether it's through streaming Hindi films, catching a Bollywood concert, or discovering a new playlist that brings India’s rhythm and soul to life.
The Main Forms of Indian Music at a Glance
Long-standing traditions, diverse regions, and languages, as well as changing tastes, have shaped Indian music. Classical music is one of its most prominent parts, mainly divided into Hindustani and Carnatic music. One comes from the north, while the other originates from the south.
Spirituality gave rise to both forms of Indian classical music. They share many similarities, although many musicians interpret these genres in different ways. In Hindustani and Carnatic music, ragas, or harmonic modes, are played to convey a specific emotional or spiritual meaning. The ragas are a controlled set of notes that a melody is based on and performed alongside talas or rhythmic cycles.
Hindustani vs. Carnatic Music: What’s the Difference?
One of the significant advantages of Hindustani music is that artists can perform songs in any way they choose. The result is distinctive renditions.
Hindustani music features Gharanas, or stylistic schools, that spotlight different genres. And, unlike Carnatic music, this form of Indian classical music doesn’t follow standard musical arrangements.
Conversely, Carnatic music features more structured compositions and detailed rhythms while focusing on vocal expression. Musicians can play a wide variety of ragas and talas here. Famous composers such as Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Shyama Shastri created the traditional compositions that form the foundation of Carnatic music. They’re often performed in areas of Southern India and by Indian communities overseas.
A Closer Look at India’s Regional Folk Music
Beyond classical styles, Indian music also includes regional folk music. It’s performed with specific instruments, dialects, and performance styles.
- Rajasthan’s folk music scene has Manganiars and Langas as two of its most prominent forms. Both sing ballads of kings and gods.
- In Punjab, musicians play five forms of folk music: Tappe, Sithnian, Chhand, Heara, and Lorian.
- Bengal has baul sangeet, a mystical tradition rooted in poetry and spirituality.
Through these forms of Indian folk music, people can tell their unique stories and bring their communities together. Furthermore, the genre has made its way into Indian film scores and fusion albums.
Bollywood in Indian Popular Music
We can’t talk about Indian music these days without mentioning Bollywood songs. They’re inseparable from Indian cinema. Watch a Bollywood movie, and you’ll hear upbeat songs sung to incredible mixes of classical ragas, folk music, Western pop, electronic beats, and other genres.
Now, you might ask, “What does Bollywood mean?” It’s the name attached to India’s film industry, coined during the 1970s. Moreover, it’s hailed as India’s and the world’s largest film industry in terms of the number of films produced and released annually. The name “Bollywood” originated as the Indian film industry surpassed Hollywood.
Bollywood films are renowned for their intricate dance sequences and engaging storytelling, but audiences are particularly drawn to the music. R.D. Burman, A.R. Rahman, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and other renowned Indian music directors have made significant contributions to the evolution of Bollywood music, producing innovative sounds and experimenting with diverse genres. Who hasn’t heard “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire, the film that handed A.R. Rahman an Oscar in 2008? It’s a perfect example of how versatile Bollywood music can be.
Dissecting Indian Music & Cinema’s Presence in the U.S.
Over the past few decades, Indian music cinema has gained a foothold in American culture. It has attracted both Indian residents in the U.S. and American audiences who enjoy vibrant, poignant movies and energetic music.
- Local Screenings & Film Festivals
Several well-known Indian film festivals have been established in the U.S., featuring movies from independent Indian filmmakers. You can catch these films at special screenings held during film festivals such as:
- New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF)
- Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA)
- South Asian Film Festival of America (SAFFA)
These events provide Indian filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work and invite moviegoers to experience movies with relatable stories and great music.
Additionally, many American movie theaters have played Bollywood films. In 2017, Indian movies released in the U.S. earned revenues of over $8 million, with some recording gross box-office sales of $10 million. Of course, you can watch Indian movies on video streaming platforms like Netflix.
- Cultural & Musical Events
Indian music also takes center stage at live events.
Most of the time, lesser-known performers and classical musicians tour American cities, drawing huge crowds of South Asians and Americans. But if you prefer smaller events, U.S. universities and Indian-led organizations always host Indian music nights, dance competitions, and cultural showcases. These gatherings keep South Asian residents connected to their roots and welcome everyone with open arms.
Tip: Use an online directory like United Tribes to find Indian-led events (or businesses) in your city.
How Does Indian Music & Cinema Shape Cultural Dialogue?
In addition to entertainment, Indian music and cinema encourage cross-cultural dialogue.
- American universities now offer courses on Indian music and filmmaking that explore both subjects and their influence on identity, post-colonial discourse, and global media.
- Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other online platforms have made Indian music more accessible to international listeners, especially those in the U.S.
- Indian-born users of music streaming platforms share playlists with Bollywood hits and more traditional Indian music. This way, curious listeners can discover new genres and expand their musical tastes.
- Social media and video-sharing platforms have also introduced Indian music to global audiences through viral challenges, Bollywood song covers, and uploaded recordings of classic hits. You’re sure to find gems while scrolling through TikTok or Instagram.
Start Exploring Indian Music & Film Culture
Indian music and cinema are no longer exclusive to Indian communities. They now entertain people of different cultures worldwide, expressing the spirit of a nation that values storytelling, spirituality, and creativity.
In the U.S., you can discover Indian music and film culture at film festivals, university classrooms, packed concert halls, and local community centers. It sparks dialogue, connects people from different cultures, and takes them to a world where melody, rhythm, and emotion meet.
As Indian music and cinema continue to evolve and reach a wider audience, they’ll deepen cross-cultural conversations even further. Both have found their place in American culture, and the vibrant harmonies and compelling stories they’ve created are here to stay.
Whether you want to see Indian musicians live or watch Indian films, United Tribes can help you find such cultural experiences in your city. Sign up or log in to browse upcoming Indian-led events on our online event directory. Or, visit our blog for more about Indian culture.
