Fred Stopsky thinks Bollywood represents India’s soft power, the power to influence ‘the way people behave, think or dress’:

In Afghanistan these days, the evening hour is spent watching India’s soap opera, “Kyunki Sass Bhi Kabhi Bahu” which apparently has even impacted attendance at religious activities. It has impacted a conservative Muslim nation in which family problems are hidden from view, but, now due to the power of TV people are discussing family issues and values. India is fast becoming a cultural influence even in the most conservative of Muslim societies. Indian cuisine is spreading as is its fashion designs as are its movies. In an age in which Information dominates the daily lives of people, India is fast becoming one of the most important players in the drama of capturing the minds and hearts of people.

I wouldn’t know about soft power, but the Afghans’ capacity to endure more and more conflict and trauma never ceases to amaze me.