Salman Khan is probably a true Modi supporter, Shah Rukh is probably just vacuous politically - Aamir Khan is the most politically aware of the three (in as far as that goes at all) but he got into hot water for making noises against Modi a few years back and has learned to keep his mouth shut, I assume. His is not a "sign of deference" necessarily, more like a hostage video.
For those of us who have been around for a while, Hollywood gave us Exodus in 1960 and six years later, Cast a Giant Shadow starring a young Kirk Douglas. As a 4 year old and then 10 year old boy, these were the movie industry’s Israeli propaganda platforms featuring huge stars that I grew up with. Just recently, Michael Douglas traveled to Israel to lend his support for the Palestinian genocide. So, the entertainment industry’s sucking up to the powers that be is certainly not a new development, but a long continuing global trend.
Thanks for shining a light on the degree of nepotism within Bollywood. Hoping that the result of the latest election doesn't push Modi & BJP further right. Another democracy reset in the cards...?
Excellent piece. One can see the tug of war in democracies with the current elections being held around the world. European elections are next where the pendulum to the right has swung.
This mirrors historical instances where entertainment and news industries have been co-opted for propaganda, such as Hollywood during World War II, which produced films to support the war effort and bolster patriotism. Bollywood has clearly learned from Hollywood and beyond how to effectively sell cultural messages.
George Orwell once observed, “All art is propaganda,” implying that the medium often reflects and reinforces dominant ideologies. Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” also serves as an exploration of media. The alignment of Bollywood with the BJP’s right-wing agenda is a stark reminder of the power of cinema to shape public perception and political narratives. This underscores the need for critical engagement with media to recognize and resist propaganda, a lesson as relevant today as it was during the past.
These lessons (present and past) should guide us in recognizing and resisting the subtle yet pervasive influence of propaganda in media, ensuring that art remains a force for truth and justice rather than a tool for manipulation.
India bears watching as they are doing their best to cozy up the the new global hierarchy calling itself BRICS. If Modi succeeds in his push to turn the Muslim population into something akin to what the Israelis think of the Palestinians, tensions will lead to a spark and the whole region will come apart. Imagine if Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Taliban run Afghanistan were to form a loose coalition to side with Indian Muslims?
Big write up. But you are mixing some archaic information which is not current too. I am no supporter of Modi. But I feel you just filled-up space with irrelevant information. This is the problem with entitled rich people who are not connected with ground realities. Well the bane of India has been fissures on religious lines, the narrative which rural India defeated. But the rich and middle class in the Cities are still influenced by RSS’s religious bigotry.
How disappointing that it’s the Muslim actors who treat him with deference.
Salman Khan is probably a true Modi supporter, Shah Rukh is probably just vacuous politically - Aamir Khan is the most politically aware of the three (in as far as that goes at all) but he got into hot water for making noises against Modi a few years back and has learned to keep his mouth shut, I assume. His is not a "sign of deference" necessarily, more like a hostage video.
I all ways believe true artist are real fighters of justice, humanity, equality and democracy rest are just bunch of greedy people
For those of us who have been around for a while, Hollywood gave us Exodus in 1960 and six years later, Cast a Giant Shadow starring a young Kirk Douglas. As a 4 year old and then 10 year old boy, these were the movie industry’s Israeli propaganda platforms featuring huge stars that I grew up with. Just recently, Michael Douglas traveled to Israel to lend his support for the Palestinian genocide. So, the entertainment industry’s sucking up to the powers that be is certainly not a new development, but a long continuing global trend.
Thanks for shining a light on the degree of nepotism within Bollywood. Hoping that the result of the latest election doesn't push Modi & BJP further right. Another democracy reset in the cards...?
Excellent piece. One can see the tug of war in democracies with the current elections being held around the world. European elections are next where the pendulum to the right has swung.
This mirrors historical instances where entertainment and news industries have been co-opted for propaganda, such as Hollywood during World War II, which produced films to support the war effort and bolster patriotism. Bollywood has clearly learned from Hollywood and beyond how to effectively sell cultural messages.
George Orwell once observed, “All art is propaganda,” implying that the medium often reflects and reinforces dominant ideologies. Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” also serves as an exploration of media. The alignment of Bollywood with the BJP’s right-wing agenda is a stark reminder of the power of cinema to shape public perception and political narratives. This underscores the need for critical engagement with media to recognize and resist propaganda, a lesson as relevant today as it was during the past.
These lessons (present and past) should guide us in recognizing and resisting the subtle yet pervasive influence of propaganda in media, ensuring that art remains a force for truth and justice rather than a tool for manipulation.
India bears watching as they are doing their best to cozy up the the new global hierarchy calling itself BRICS. If Modi succeeds in his push to turn the Muslim population into something akin to what the Israelis think of the Palestinians, tensions will lead to a spark and the whole region will come apart. Imagine if Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Taliban run Afghanistan were to form a loose coalition to side with Indian Muslims?
Thanks for adding a little depth to my very shallow understanding of India's politics.
Side note:
I love your writing style. I find your articles especially engaging.
Disgusting behavior of Bollywood stars is sickening
Omg totally blown away- what an amazing read cant remember the last time I have seen this summarised so well.
Big write up. But you are mixing some archaic information which is not current too. I am no supporter of Modi. But I feel you just filled-up space with irrelevant information. This is the problem with entitled rich people who are not connected with ground realities. Well the bane of India has been fissures on religious lines, the narrative which rural India defeated. But the rich and middle class in the Cities are still influenced by RSS’s religious bigotry.