The Representation Indian Content Failed To Give Us!

|By- Suprita Shirur|

The popularity of Hindi cinema is boundless. With numerous movies produced and consumed annually, the unique culture of drama, romance and Hindi pop music has enchanted viewers from across the globe. But even as the Indian entertainment world keeps expanding, certain aspects still remain unexplored. The dictionary meaning of misrepresentation is “giving a false or misleading account of the nature of something”. Giving an accurate and honest narrative is important while depicting our own interpretation of it.

This article is in no way meant to disregard the works of the actors who embodied these characters and shaped these narratives because as actors they did a beautiful job and made them believable as is requisite for any form of storytelling.

The following is a list of 5 times Bollywood misrepresented minorities in recent times:

1. Bala (2019)

The film neglecting its own message of acceptance fell into the same old pattern of artificially darkening skin tone of lighter-skinned actresses to fit roles. In political terms what is called brown-face questions the honesty of the film. With an abundance of budding talent in the industry it is upsetting to not see dark-skinned actresses being cast instead of Bhumi Pednekar made so many tones darker for the role.

2. Saandh ki Aankh (2019)

Based on a true story, the movie captures an inspirational story of two women in their 60’s tapping their hidden talents while having to defy various stigmas of ageism. However, the actresses cast for these roles are both in their early 30’s. Over 3 decades younger than the protagonists’ age. Although older actresses have begun to roles satisfactory roles there is still scope for pushing the envelope.

3. Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhaan (2020)

The story revolves around a same-sex couple struggling to be accepted by their conservative families. Aside from the various loopholes in the movie itself, the actors playing the main leads aren’t homosexual. Although the actors did a fantastic job, the credibility and authenticity were missing due to the lack of having lived through the experiences of the LGBTQ community in a traditional Indian household.

4. Zero (2018)

Aside from being a badly written movie, the main character (who is vertically challenged but refuses to remain on the sidelines) isn’t played by an actually dwarf or vertically challenged actor. With dwarf actors usually seen as comic reliefs or sidekicks, it would have been noteworthy to see them like a lead star in a large-scale commercial movie.

5. Sacred Games (2018-present)

OTT platforms have definitely changed the entertainment media and Sacred Games is a notable example of it. The character of Cuckoo (a transgender woman) kindled many discussions among netizens. But the character is played by a transgender actress. The narrative itself was so different and revolutionary that combined with her acting it stood out immediately. However, this could have been a catalyst for Trans-actresses to be recognised and seen representing these women.

With the new advancements and evolution in Traditional cinema, we are yet to see Trans actors or disabled actors, not just in the said parts but in any narrative ever. How do we normalise the existence of minorities in our society when they aren’t given the same opportunities as the socially accepted? When their narratives aren’t being told by their own community?

Fair and truthful representation is the pinnacle of connecting audiences to different minorities and groups. It necessary for people to see themselves on the silver screen. Films aren’t isolated from society hence, they influence and change ideologies. Proper representation of minorities and groups can provide new role models and better insights into the lives of those who have been invisible for years.

With the new age of cinema finally having arrived let’s strive to make these stories and untold narratives be illuminated by the spotlight of entertainment.