Question 34 Answer and Explanation _ACT December 2015 Form 72E English Section

Passage III

From Theater to Film

Hindi cinema, which is the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India. It’s unique aesthetic derives from Parsi theater troupes in Mumbai in the late 1800s. An ethnic group possessing a diversity of skills in business and the arts, the Parsis used this expertise to produce elaborate theatrical productions. These productions appealed to broad audiences by drawing upon ancient Indian epic literature and drama as well as incorporating dance, spectacle, and song. (34)

Hoping to emulate the success of the Parsis, they adopted Parsi theatrical methods. Hindi cinema’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), was based upon an ancient Indian epic poem. Hindi filmmakers continued this epic tradition in subsequent films exploring social and economic conditions in India. The 1957 film Mother India, for example, portrays a families struggles against poverty through several generations.

Mother India, like many Hindi films since sound rose in movies, also did not use synchronous sound—actors dubbed their lines after filming was complete. Complex musical numbers are a defining characteristic of most Hindi films. This serves as interludes designed to entertain the audience rather than to advance the plot. (42)

Often featuring multiple settings or romanticized backdrops, musical numbers in Hindi cinema emphasize spectacle. One number in the 1951 film Awara was shot on thirteen different sets. Two love songs in the 1981 film Silsila, set at large in India, was shot among tulips in Holland. In regarding the Parsi tradition of using spectacle to appeal to a broad audience, many Hindi films today incorporate elements from Indian folk music, classical music, and modern pop, often within a single song.

Hindi cinema is now one of the largest film industries in the world, enduring criticism by some for its use of outdated technology. Modern Hindi filmmakers continue to apply the conventions of Parsi theater by remaining faithful to Indian traditions while appealing to a wide range of audiences.

34. At this point, the writer is considering adding the following true statement:

In the 1800s, the city of Mumbai was known as a center of commerce and industry.

Should the writer make this addition here?

F. Yes, because it describes why the Parsis chose to integrate song and dance elements into their theatrical productions.

G. Yes, because it explains how the Parsis appealed to the diverse population then living in Mumbai.

H. No, because those facts about Mumbai have no place in a discussion of how Parsi theater influenced Hindi cinema.

J. No, because it indicates that Parsi theatrical productions were not successful.

Answer and Explanation

Your Answer is

Correct Answer is H

Explanation

Add the meaning of the sentence "During the 18th century, Bombay was considered a center of finance and industry." The subject of this article is the impact of the development of theaters in Bombay on cinema. So this sentence has nothing to do with the center and should not be added.

Item J: "The output of the Parsi Theater was unsuccessful" has nothing to do with the subject of the article, wrong.