Shakespeare’s Influence on Bollywood: From Maqbool to Haider and Angoor

True literature transcends geographical boundaries and weaves its magic in every art form, and Shakespeare’s works prove this right, from Stratford-upon-Avon to Mumbai’s tinsel town. Bollywood has had a long-standing romance with Shakespeare’s plays, and it has spawned unique cinematic creations like “Maqbool”, “Haider”, and “Angoor”, among others.

Adapting Shakespeare’s Plays on Indian Canvas

The Bard’s intricate tales, vivid characters, and timeless themes have found adaptability in Bollywood’s diversified cultural setting. This tie-up between the foreign Shakespeare and native Bollywood lends creativity to our cinema, taking it to newer artistic heights. Here, we take a look at eight Bollywood movies, including “Maqbool”, “Haider”, and “Angoor” that breathe life into Shakespeare’s works.

Maqbool: Tragedy Called “Macbeth”

Emphasizing the essence of Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth”, director Vishal Bharadwaj’s “Maqbool” is a saga of ambition, guilt, and retribution set in the backdrop of Mumbai’s underworld. The film casts a spell with its exquisite storytelling, powerful performances, and musical storytelling, echoing the tragic tale of Macbeth and his vaulting ambition—a retelling that would’ve made Shakespeare proud.

Haider: Shakespeare’s Hamlet Portrayed with a Kashmiri Touch

Vishal Bharadwaj takes another Shakespearean route with “Haider”, an adaptation of “Hamlet” in a Kashmiri milieu. The movie, with its heart-wrenching tale, masterly characterisations, and authentic portrayals, facilitates an intriguing experience for Shakespeare lovers and Bollywood enthusiasts alike.

Angoor: Comedic Genius Unleashed with “Comedy of Errors”

“Angoor”, a Bollywood classic by Gulzar, weaves its narrative around the webs of “Comedy of Errors”. This comedy-drama centralizes two pairs of identical twins leading to identity crisis, confusion, and a series of laugh riots. Unique in execution, it skillfully adapts Shakespeare’s comic play into an Indian context.

Other Bollywood Adaptations: Keeping the Shakespearean Love Story Alive

Besides “Maqbool”, “Haider”, and “Angoor”, other Bollywood adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays have also struck a chord with the audience:

• “Omkara” (Othello)
• “Ishaqzaade” (Romeo and Juliet)
• “Ram-Leela” (Romeo and Juliet):
• “10ml Love” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• “Do Dooni Char” (Comedy of Errors)

These movies, woven with the magic of Shakespeare’s narratives and Bollywood’s melodrama, bring the essence of the bard’s plays to the Indian audiences in a memorable way.

Conclusion: The Bollywood-Shakespeare Connection

The Bollywood movie industry has successfully imbued Shakespeare’s intricate plots into Indian cinema’s cultural tapestry. The melding of Shakespeare’s intellect with Bollywood’s vibrancy has led to a cornucopia of films that are as entertaining as they are thought-provoking. From “Maqbool” to “Haider”, and “Angoor”, the subtle charm and beauty of Shakespeare’s plays continue to bask in Bollywood’s silver screen.