I watched salaam bombay too, it was on tv a while back. It was a pretty good movie I guess. but I was very disapointed because although it is an indian movie, it is not a bollywood style movie. It was played during what is called "bollywood freetime," on one of my local channels, and I was fully expecting it to have song and dance in it. I feel as if I was misslead.
Monsoon wedding is terrible, not only does it not really have any song and dance, but the story isn't particularly moving either.
I think bride and prejudice was great! it is a bit corny, a bit cute, but that's the bollywood style I love! I think it is a great cross over and a great place to start.
There are so many great bollywood movies out there.
My favorates are Dil Se, kuch kuch hota hai, and kabhi kushi kabhi gham. the latter two are youor typical sappy love story (with a twist of course), but dil se is really moving too. I have it on my computer, if you would like me to send it to you (bollywood films are typically very hard to find in a movie store unless you live in india or an indian area).
The next movie I'd like to see is 1942: a love story. I've heard good things about it.
anyway, I encourage you to keep exploring bollywood. I know there is the stereo type that it's full of terrible, sappy movies. But there are so many good and moving ones too.
To me, what makes bollywood great is the song and dance. If you're not into that, then I don't see the point watching indian films over american films. I think that's why I love bollywood so much, I was into musicals long before I ever discovered bollywood.
