I like Bollywood films.

I’m fairly certain of that.  Of the snippets I’ve seen in random Indian restaurants and on the Internet, I adore the fact that an entire nation has accepted the fact that every movie will contain songs that further the plot, combined with intricate and exciting dance numbers.

A year ago or so, I made Katie (for the second time) and some college friends watch Om Shanti Om with me.  It was the second time I had watched it, and I enjoyed that 3+ hour Bollywood epic even more than I had the first time.

So, here’s my dilemma.  I’d love to watch more Bollywood films.  But where do I start?

I have no real guide in this genre of film.  Should I just go with the highest rated films in the Bollywood subgenre on Netflix?  I figure I must have some friends who actually know more about this out on the Internet.  Care to help an amateur Bollywood fan out?

What are considered Bollywood classics?  What are hidden Bollywood gems?  Name a movie that I can get easily, and I’ll watch it.