In the grand theater of Indian politics, where scripts are penned with votes in mind, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has found its most captivating narrative in the world of cinema.
As the curtains rise on the 2024 elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is once again taking center stage, this time with a cast of characters that includes some of India’s wealthiest and most influential figures. The BJP’s script for victory is simple: portray India as a Hindu nation and use cinema as a wide-reaching tool to propagate the message.
As the lights dim in theaters across the country, audiences are swept into narratives that do more than entertain; they subtly indoctrinate the masses in the right-wing, BJP-aligned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteer paramilitary organization’s Hindu nationalism.
By shaping narratives that subtly endorse “Hindutva” ideologies, sometimes even employing Muslim actors to deliver skewed messages, Bollywood contributes to a socio-political echo chamber in favor of Modi’s BJP.
Consider “Pathan,” featuring a Muslim superstar, yet the film weaves a narrative that’s anything but supportive of the community he represents. It’s a clever ploy – use a beloved Muslim face to sell a story that subtly fans the flames of distrust against his own, masking the bitter pill of bias with the sugarcoat of mainstream cinema.
Then there’s “Border,” which dramatizes historical conflicts with Pakistan to such an extent that the enemy image becomes not just a wartime necessity but a peacetime norm. The movie, garbed in patriotism, perpetuates a narrative that sees India at endless odds with its neighbor, reinforcing the “them versus us” mindset that is so critical to the RSS’s broader Hindu nationalist agenda.
“Uri: The Surgical Strike” pumps up the volume on heroism and revenge. It’s not just a flick; it’s a full-blown rally cry that sings in tune with the RSS’s lines. The film turns real-life military drama into a thrilling show of bravery, getting folks riled up while skipping over the tricky questions about what these actions actually mean for everyone involved.
“Kurbaan” is dressed up like a love story but underneath plants seeds of mistrust toward Muslims, portraying them mostly as radicals or villains. The movie stealthily taps into the fears and biases that some might quietly harbor, bringing these ideas into the spotlight. That aligns perfectly with RSS’s strategy of marginalizing Muslims, relegating India’s largest minority to the sidelines under the guise of a blockbuster narrative.
“New York” had the potential to delve deep into the injustices faced by Muslims post-9/11. Instead, it falls back on old patterns, depicting its Muslim characters with an aura of suspicion and menace. The film weaves its storyline around the specter of terrorism in a manner that endorses the RSS’s perspective, subtly reinforcing misconceptions about Muslims both within India and beyond.
Bollywood movies transcend mere entertainment; they convey narratives cleverly crafted to align with the BJP’s political agenda. By consistently portraying Muslims and Pakistan in a negative spotlight, these Indian blockbusters perpetuate a cycle of fear and nationalistic fervor to garner votes for the BJP while discarding the imperative of forging national unity.
Bollywood, of course, is controlled by the underworld Dons of Delhi, who in turn are influenced by BJP heavies. This astute manipulation ensures that the RSS’s narrative of nationalism and division reverberates not just within its own circles but also resonates in the ostensibly secular bastions of India’s cherished film industry.
However, there’s a twist: it’s not just ideology propelling these blockbusters; it’s also the allure of money. The BJP’s coffers have been substantially padded by corporate behemoths like the Tata Group, which according to reports contributed a staggering 75% of the party’s funds in 2018-19 through the Progressive Electoral Trust, a trust owned by Tata.
Cozy relations between the BJP and big business aren’t merely about financial contributions; they also signify the perilous concentration of political and quasi-religious authority in the hands of a select few.
Leading this ensemble of billionaires is Mukesh Ambani, one of India’s wealthiest individuals and a pivotal figure in the BJP’s narrative. Ambani’s recent extravaganza, pre-wedding celebrations for his son Anant, was more than a showcase of opulence; it was a demonstration of his influence and clout.
The lavish event, graced by titans of tech like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, underscored Ambani’s economic prowess and his sway in political circles worldwide. Who would have imagined that one man could compel the leaders of Facebook and Microsoft to sway to Desi beats and Bollywood tunes?
Yet, Ambani’s influence doesn’t stop there. Through his vast media empire, encompassing more than 70 outlets and reaching 800 million viewers weekly, Ambani wields the power to shape perceptions and dominate India’s narrative. From cricket to cinema, the Ambanis have astutely cultivated their soft power, ensuring that their influence transcends the confines of the boardroom.
This consolidation of economic and cultural influence in the hands of a privileged few poses a grave threat to India’s democracy. With the political opposition marginalized and the media landscape dominated by pro-BJP voices, dissenting viewpoints are suppressed and the vision of a democratic, secular India is imperiled.
While the BJP dances to the tune of its billionaire backers, the common folk are left in the lurch. The economic strategies of the Modi government, adroitly tailored to favor the affluent elite, have plunged millions into hardship. Consequently, today around 100 million Indians live below the poverty line.
From the tumultuous demonetization of the rupee that disproportionately affected the poor to the hasty rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that hit small enterprises, the BJP’s economic legacy is marred by mismanagement and adversity. The lack of adequate social welfare measures has left millions of Indians vulnerable to economic hardship, raising questions about the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.
But who needs economic prosperity when there are grand spectacles like the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, Texas? This gathering, where Modi shared the stage with then-US president Donald Trump, was hailed as a triumph of Indian diplomacy.
Yet, beneath the pomp and pageantry was a darker reality: the event was orchestrated by Texas India Forum, a US-based organization with close ties to the BJP and its benefactors.
By fostering ties with influential members of the Indian diaspora, particularly in countries like the US, Canada, and the UK, the BJP aims to enhance India’s soft power and influence on the global stage. However, such efforts also raise concerns about the politicization of diaspora communities and their role in shaping India’s foreign policy objectives.
Now, let’s turn the page to the remarkable saga of Tata and Modi — a match forged in the crucible of corporate ambition, where government largesse and policy nods pave golden pathways for the corporate giant to stride and prance. Tata hasn’t merely thrived under Modi’s tenure; it has soared like a kite on a balmy day, propelled by the favorable winds of Modi’s policies.
Picture a cricket match where one team enjoys the finest bats, the smoothest pitch and even favorable sunlight. That’s Tata’s playing field under Modi’s leadership. Every policy tweak, every regulatory approval appear to have been tailor-made for Tata to thrive, allowing the company to conjure success from seeming thin air.
Then there’s the infrastructure boom. Modi’s vision of a rejuvenated India resembles a bustling construction site, where Tata’s heavy machinery is always breaking the ground. Yet, the surge isn’t confined to tangible assets; it’s a rebranding endeavor, with Tata positioned as the torchbearer of a futuristic, “Modi-fied” India.
And viewers of the spectacle should not overlook the Air India saga – a once-proud jewel of Indian aviation now in need of a makeover. Who steps in to restore its former glory? Tata, naturally, with a helping hand from Modi’s administration to smooth out the financial and bureaucratic wrinkles like a seasoned draper preparing a suit for a grand occasion.
In this flourishing partnership, Modi’s government assumes the role of the loyal wingman, orchestrating success after success for Tata. The outcome? Tata’s influence in the Indian economy isn’t just extensive; it’s profound and intricate, interwoven into the very tapestry of Modi’s narrative of national development.
With the patronage of the likes of Ambani and Tata and Bollywood pushing its Hindu nationalist narrative, the BJP is sitting rich and pretty at this year’s crucial elections.
But as the chasm between rich and poor widens, distrust between Hindus and Muslims deepens and any peep of dissent recognizing these realities harshly suppressed, one cannot help but ponder: Is this the inclusive democracy envisioned by India’s founding fathers?
Sehr Rushmeen, an Islamabad-based freelance researcher, has a MPhil in strategic studies from National Defence University and a BSc in international relations from the University of London. She is reachable by email at sehrrushmeenwrites@gmail.com and follow her on X at @rushmeentweets
Wanya Hassan Sidhu is an Islamabad-based freelance researcher with an MS in media sciences and BS in Media Communication from the Foundation University School of Science & Technology. She can be reached by email at mkhalidmalik83@gmail.com