What's your ism? What’s Your Ism? Ep 28 ft. Nadira Khatun on exploring Muslim narratives in Hindi cinema
Nov 25, 2024
Nadira Khatun, author of "Postcolonial Bollywood and Muslim Identity," delves into the complex portrayal of Muslims in Hindi cinema. She discusses the nuanced differences between regional representations, revealing the contrast between Tamil's stereotypes and the depth in Malayalam films. Khatun critiques historical narratives, focusing on contemporary shifts in storytelling influenced by social issues. She also touches on the surprising appeal of Pakistani dramas in India, highlighting audience preferences for relatable storytelling over divisive narratives.
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Representation Complexity
- Bollywood's portrayal of Muslims is complex and not solely determined by their population percentage.
- Despite a larger Muslim population, Bengali cinema historically lacked Muslim representation, unlike Bollywood.
Shifting Portrayals
- Post-independence Bollywood glorified the Mughal era, romanticizing emperors like Akbar and Shah Jahan.
- This contrasts sharply with more recent films that demonize Muslim rulers, reflecting a shift in socio-political narratives.
Motivation Behind Glorification
- Early Bollywood's focus on Muslim royalty stemmed from both secular ideals and profit motives.
- The success of films like "Anarkali" led to a trend of similar narratives, capitalizing on their popularity.