Shalom Bollywood is a feature documentary that reveals the little-known story of India’s Jewish community and its pivotal role in the early decades of Indian cinema. When Hindu and Muslim women were forbidden from acting, Jewish actresses stepped into leading roles and became some of Bollywood’s biggest stars—from Sulochana and Pramila to the iconic Nadira. Told in a lively, playful style, the film weaves rare archival footage, animation, and interviews to trace their remarkable careers, personal highs and lows, and the legacy continued by their descendants working in today’s industry. It is a vibrant journey through the origins of Bollywood, celebrating cultural diversity, interfaith coexistence, and the enduring charm, music, and spectacle of Indian cinema.

Writer, Producer and Director: Danny Ben-Moshe
Assistant Director: Dwit Monani
Narrator: Ayesha Dharker
Editors: Bill Murphy ASE & Robert Werner
Camera: Danny Ben-Moshe, Rakesh Bhilare, Jake Clennell, Bonnie Elliott, Roshan Marodkar, Dwit Monani, A.J. Rickert-Epstein, Sunil Sharma, Tapan Vyas
Line Producer: Dwit Monani, Line of Action Films, Mumbai
Online: City Post, South Melbourne
Sound Post Production: Alchemy Audio Post Production
Animation: Benny Goldman, Tim Patterson - Digital Media Creations, Rubber House, Steve Milne & Sid Shukla - Studio Nuvu:
Storyboard Artist: Siona Benjamin

Developed and produced with the assistance of:
Film Victoria
Australian Jewish International Film Festival Debbie Dadon AM
Documentary Australia Foundation Katahdin Productions
Ricci Swart, Shadowlane Mark Weingard
Screen Australia