Bombay 1954: Chandni Chowk—Egypt Made in Bollywood

This chapter explores the representation of Egypt in Bombay cinema in the pivotal year of 1954. Against the backdrop of global fascination with Egypt, fueled by the archaeological discovery of the tomb of Kheops, Bombay cinema embarked on its own exploration of the land of the Pharaohs. The chapter examines how Bombay cinema constructs its cinematic Egypt, departing from traditional Orientalist motifs prevalent in European and Hollywood films. Focusing on the film Chandni Chowk by B. R. Chopra, a Muslim social set in both Delhi and Cairo, this chapter argues that it creates a visual narrative that establishes a common Islamicate world between the two cities. While drawing on the visual grammar of Bombay cinema, Chandni Chowk moves beyond mere inspiration from the Arabian Nights, offering a nuanced and realist portrayal of Egypt that contrasts with Oriental film fantasies. Additionally, the chapter highlights how Cairo in Chandni Chowk embodies a form of familiar exoticism unique to Bombay cinema, diverging from Hollywood’s orientalism.