Islamabad: The Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK) has released a new report titled “Hindu Nationalism, Islamophobia, and the Obfuscation of Military Occupation in Kashmir.” This comprehensive analysis examines how Bollywood films have historically depicted Kashmir, aligning with Hindu nationalist narratives and obscuring the region’s political struggles and Muslim identity.
The report highlights that Bollywood’s portrayal of Kashmir has often romanticized its natural beauty while marginalizing the local Muslim population and their political issues. From the late 1940s onward, films have presented an idealized version of Kashmir, consistent with India’s official narrative.
The report notes a significant shift in Bollywood’s portrayal of Kashmir from the 1990s onwards. This period saw an increase in the depiction of Muslims through a binary lens—either as fundamentalists or as secularists—intensifying after events like the insurgency in Kashmir and the 9/11 attacks. These portrayals have contributed to reinforcing negative stereotypes about Muslims and supporting the narrative of Hindu nationalism.
LFK’s report argues that Bollywood’s representations significantly shape public perception, overshadowing the legitimate demands for self-determination and highlighting the human rights violations in the region. By focusing on these skewed narratives, Bollywood films have influenced audiences both within and outside India, diverting attention from the ground realities in Kashmir.
The report calls for more accurate and nuanced portrayals of Kashmir in Indian cinema to reflect the region’s political and cultural complexities genuinely. It urges international attention to the ongoing human rights violations and the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.
