Hollywood's popularity in India due to internet: George Parra

As Hollywood films continue to capture the imagination of Indian cinegoers, George Parra, the executive producer of black comedy crime film "American Hustle", credits this to the advent of the internet.

"I think the digital medium... the growth of the internet has connected the world and made the world much, much smaller and that's possibly a factor why Hollywood has become more popular in India," Parra told IANS in a telephonic interview from Los Angeles.

Parra also said that the interest in Hollywood films has also grown because of different genres.

"In Bollywood, you make hundreds of films every year. There is a huge audience for your Why the interest in American films? Because there are different kinds of films completely, like 'American Hustle'. Possibly, the interest is getting broader because of

the internet," he added.

He feels that it is "fantastic" that Hollywood's popularity has grown in India.

"I have a feeling that there is surely a growing interest in American films in your country. I just make films to entertain people and bring a smile to their face. If it could become more popular in your country or in China and other countries, that's fantastic," Parra said.

Parra, who is known for his work in films like "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", "Sideways" and "Election", said that on-demand internet streaming websites have also helped in making Hollywood films more accessible worldwide.

"Yes, Netflix is huge. Those kind of companies are connecting (us) and making Hollywood far more accesible for anybody in the world. 10 years ago, it was a different world.

"(Today) A 20-year-old is being able to go online and see what's beyond the country and what's being made in Hollywood. I would guess, 10-15 years ago in any country, you couldn't just go online and do that," he added.

Asked if he would like to collaborate with Indian filmmakers and actors in the future, Parra jubilantly said, "Absolutely!"

"I think filmmaking is a worldwide medium. Whether it is Japanese actors or Indian actors or directors... I have met a handful of Indian producers in Los Angeles. There is no reason we can't collaborate, and we have successfully, one in particular the Danny Boyle film ('Slumdog Millionaire').

He said he loves being in a film set "where there are four languages being spoken."

"The one common language would be filmmaking."

"American Hustle" is all set to make its first ever Indian TV premiere on Saturday on Sony PIX.

(Ankit Sinha can be contacted at ankit.sians.in)