New Books in Sociology Pankaj Jain, "Visual Anthropology of Indian Films: Religious Communities and Cultural Traditions in Bollywood and Beyond" (Routledge, 2024)
Dec 12, 2024
Pankaj Jain, an expert in visual anthropology and Indian cinema, delves into the intricate portrayal of religious communities in Bollywood. He discusses how films reflect social issues, gender dynamics, and environmental themes. Jain critiques the representation of Hindus and Muslims, revealing the complexities of inter-communal narratives. He also touches on the historical significance of classic films and their influence on modern societal understanding. His insights highlight the rich tapestry of cultural narratives threaded through the world’s largest film industry.
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Origin Story
- Pankaj Jain's passion for Hindi films, now called Bollywood, began in his small Rajasthan hometown.
- This lifelong passion prompted him to write, leading to numerous articles and his book.
Book Overview
- Jain's book, "Visual Anthropology of Indian Films," explores Indian cinema through the lens of religious communities, gender, and nature.
- It analyzes films from various regions and time periods, including works by Raj Kapoor, Satyajit Ray, and others.
Discovering Classics
- Jain's passion for film deepened at the University of Iowa, where he discovered a treasure trove of Indian classics.
- He was inspired by the filmmakers' ahead-of-their-time approach to social issues, including climate change and migration.