Imag(in)ing Indian Muslims in Post-liberalization Hindi Cinema

Abstract

This chapter depicts the nature of image constructions of Indian Muslims by the ideological state apparatus of popular Bollywood cinema. It argues that a constant process of vilification of Muslims in Hindi cinema has produced the image of a ‘Muslim Other’, which is contradictory to the image of a law-abiding citizen. Such a cultural process of homogenization via a stereotyped image of Muslims in Hindi movies creates a suspicious mind-set towards Muslims. This chapter argues that the mythical imagination about Muslims as represented in popular Hindi cinema has labelled certain cultural fixations of the Muslim community. In effect, Hindi cinema has been continuously propagating a stereotyped model of Muslims in both foreign territories and different parts of the country. This chapter shows that Bollywood films have not significantly dealt with the livelihood problems of Indian Muslims arising out of the economic and educational backwardness of the community.