Scripting Bollywood: Candid Conversations with Women who Write Hindi Cinema

Did you know that Shama Zaidi, who scripted Garam Hava and Mandi, introduced the master filmmaker Satyajit Ray to the concept of the colour palette in films? That Sooni Taraporevala, the writer of Salaam Bombay!, spent her student years at Harvard working various jobs as a dishwasher, server, security guard...? That Juhi Chaturvedi, who wrote Piku, goes back to her childhood to give flesh and blood to her characters? Or that Sabrina Dhawan took two years to complete another script after Monsoon Wedding?

Scripting Bollywood is a first-of-its-kind volume that focuses on the life-world and writing practices of women screenwriters in Bollywood, an industry that is traditionally dominated by men. Through candid, insightful conversations, 14 women, who have penned everything: classics like Umrao Jaan and Rudaali; potboilers like Aaina and Dil To Pagal Hai; spy thrillers like Raazi; and spunky comedies like Vicky Donor, give their take on female writers and their relationship with the commercial Bollywood framework; women and the collaborative process of filmmaking; how their own realities give rise to memorable stories; and the liberating experience of writing for digital platforms.

Besides sharing their craft, the brilliant storytellers featured in this collection let readers into their lives and inspirations—they are personal, powerful, real!

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The book is a treasure of insights into the work of these wonderful screenwriters, and how their life experiences have shaped their creativity. A rewarding book for everyone interested in cinema!

—Vishal Bhardwaj

Anubha Yadav has managed to bring historical perspective as well as insights on the craft of film writing through this beautiful set of conversations.

—Varun Grover

A record of how women screenwriters have enriched Hindi cinema with their unique point of view. A must [read] for those who want the back story of the finest cinema ever written. A very timely book!

—Ronnie Screwvala

In these pages, I’ve met new friends, found fresh stories and felt reconnected to the women who blazed a trail for all the ones to follow. To be introduced to these women writers is a gift to us. Share the gift.

—Rosanne Welch

Scripting Bollywood is an invaluable collection of original research and conversations with some of the most exciting writers working in the Bombay film industry over the last five decades. Yadav illuminates their pioneering voices and stories, and showcases their work across genres, budgets and mediums. This is an important book and a delightful read.

—Bridget Conor