A Brief History of Bhojpuri Film

The Bhojpuri Language of Bihar is the third largest Indian language spoken outside India. The Bhojpuri language covers a large geographic area crossing state boundaries. Other than Bihar, the language is spoken in the North West part of Jharkhand (that was part of Bihar once), the Purvanchal or eastern part of Uttar Pradesh along with the adjoining area of southern plains of Nepal. Outside India, Bhojpuri is spoken in spoken in Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago and Mauritius. These are the places where the Bihari community migrated in vast numbers during the British rule to work in sugar plantations.

For the first time in the history of the Bhojpuri language it is being noticed. From the coming of popular singers such as Kalpana that has made Bhojpuri almost a household name. Hindi film makers are now considering adding Bhojpuri item songs to attract the vast Bhojpuri speaking community.

In addition, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has decided to launch a foundation course in the Bhojpuri language. The course was inaugurated by Indian Parliament speaker Meira Kumar (also from Bihar). She added that "Bhojpuri is not only a language but a lifestyle and a culture. Sanskrit and Latin have most precise grammar and vocabulary. Bhojpuri too has a very precise grammar, rich vocabulary and literature". Although the course is aimed at Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, it is thought that the course might be useful to Bhojpuri speakers in places such as Mauritius. Soon the establishment will be starting Certificate and Diploma Courses in Bhojpuri