Muzaffar Choudhary
In the realm of Bollywood, where a penchant for unoriginal, uninspiring, and occasionally distasteful content prevails, it’s easy to overlook the industry’s colossal significance.
As the world’s largest film industry by any metric, Bollywood not only shapes India’s national identity but also molds the global community’s perception of the country.
Its films serve as a temporary escape for over 400 million people in India grappling with the harsh reality of living on less than $3.20 a day.
Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, media literacy—an essential tool for critically evaluating media products such as movies—is notably absent among the masses.
This absence makes Bollywood a potential propaganda machine, capable of disseminating misinformation and reinforcing false narratives. The Modi regime, in particular, has skillfully harnessed Bollywood’s influence, turning it into a compliant tool.
A glaring example of this synergy is the film “PM Narendra Modi,” a recent biopic that transcends traditional cinematic boundaries.
Unprecedented in its glorification of a sitting prime minister, especially one with only a single term in office, the film chronicles Modi’s journey from a humble chaiwala (roadside tea seller) to his spiritual sojourns in the Himalayas and ascent within the BJP ranks.
Critics have lambasted the film for shamelessly weaving heroic moments into Modi’s life that never occurred, omitting actual events such as his marriage and subsequent abandonment of his wife, and strategically positioning his adversaries as Pakistan, the news media, and a dark-skinned Indian from the south.
Most controversially, the film shifts blame for the 2002 Gujarat massacres away from Modi’s alleged hatefulness and incompetence, instead pinning responsibility on his opposition while positioning him as the hero.
Released strategically just weeks before the 2019 elections, the film faced criticism from the Election Commission of India, which deemed it propaganda—an accusation that Modi’s BJP considered unfair and contested.
In this intricate dance between Bollywood and politics, the stage is set for a narrative that goes beyond entertainment—a narrative that shapes public opinion, influences elections, and blurs the line between fiction and reality.
As we explore the escalating Islamophobia in Bollywood, it becomes imperative to recognize the industry’s dual role: a captivating escape for many, and a potent tool in the hands of those who seek to mold public perception to their advantage.
My essay aims to explore the concerning trajectory of Islamophobia within Bollywood, delving into key instances and their profound implications.
The Silent Exodus: Muslims Vanishing from the Script:
Bollywood, a historically rich tapestry of cultures, has taken an unexpected turn, witnessing the conspicuous absence of Muslims from prominent roles.
Whether as comedians or side characters, their sudden disappearance has cultivated a palpable sense of alienation within the Muslim community. However, this exclusion goes beyond mere oversight; it is deeply intertwined with a silent romanticization of Islamophobia, perpetuated through movies like ‘Padmavat,’ ‘Lipstick under my Burqa,’ ‘Tanjahi,’ ‘The Kashmir Files,’ and ‘Ham Do Humare Do.’
The Kashmir Files: A Watershed Moment in Aggravating Islamophobia:
The year 2022 marked a significant escalation in Islamophobic content creation within Hindi cinema, epitomized by movies like ‘The Kashmir Files.’ On the surface, the film claimed to highlight the sufferings of Kashmiri Pandits but, in reality, fallaciously misrepresented the Muslim community.
Its discernible anti-Muslim agenda stirred extensive national and international attention, inciting hate speeches and potential threats of violence against Muslims in public places.
This landmark film not only showcased the prevalence of divisive politics but also exposed the industry’s willingness to capitalize on communal sentiments for financial gains.
The political endorsement, including praise from the Prime Minister, further fueled right-wing sentiments and encouraged the production of similar divisive content. Even seemingly unrelated films like ‘Brahmastra’ capitalized on hyperbolic portrayals to strike a chord with the masses.
The Kerala Story and Commercialization of Hatred:
Amidst this tumultuous landscape, ‘The Kerala Story’ stands as another disturbing chapter, portraying a Keralite woman coerced into converting to Islam and participating in terrorism.
This blatant attempt at flagbearer anti-Muslim propaganda adds fuel to the already blazing fire of Islamophobia.
The film highlights the commercialization of hatred within the industry, revealing how Islamophobic narratives have become a lucrative option in the Indian entertainment landscape.
This upcoming film highlights the commercialization of hatred within the industry. Behind the rise of such content lies a grim reality – Islamophobic narratives have become a lucrative option in the Indian entertainment industry.
Hate has become a currency, traded and fed at a large scale by politicians, businessmen, media houses, and the general public.
Impact on Society:
The repercussions of growing Islamophobia within Bollywood extend beyond the screen. In an environment where Indian Muslim women are already grappling with challenges to their basic rights, films like ‘The Kerala Story’ exacerbate prejudices and stereotypes, hindering the free practice of religion.
Additionally, the portrayal of Muslim men as radical monsters contributes to a distorted narrative that further deepens communal divisions.
The entertainment industry, as a powerful agent of change, holds immense responsibility in contributing to societal harmony.
However, its current trajectory seems to ignore the potential consequences of disseminating egregious content. The lack of intervention from authorities, including the censor board, raises questions about their complicity in allowing the spread of hatred.
Reclaiming Bollywood’s Cultural Legacy:
Amidst this challenging landscape, reclaiming Bollywood’s cultural legacy becomes imperative. The industry has historically celebrated diversity and inclusivity, transcending boundaries of religion, caste, and creed.
The golden era witnessed iconic movies like “Mother India,” “Mughal-E-Azam,” and “Garam Hawa,” which showcased the beauty of Indian Muslim culture and the harmonious coexistence of different communities.
To reverse the current trend, several key actions need to be taken. Filmmakers should be encouraged to collaborate with experts, scholars, and community representatives to ensure accurate and empathetic portrayals of Muslim characters.
Film schools and industry associations should promote diversity and inclusion through workshops, seminars, and guidelines for filmmakers. Production houses should actively invest in projects that celebrate religious harmony and challenge stereotypes.
Lastly, viewers should support movies that promote inclusivity and avoid those that perpetuate hate.
The deep-rooted enmity and hatred depicted in films like ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story’ signal a concerning trend in independent India. Bollywood, once celebrated for its cultural unity, is now a battleground for the dissemination of divisive narratives.
Urgent steps need to be taken to reverse this trajectory, including responsible filmmaking, industry guidelines, and active audience engagement.
Only through such collective efforts can Bollywood reclaim its position as a unifying force, contributing to a harmonious and progressive society. The time for immediate change is now.