The decision Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has found its most compelling narrative in the world of film in the great drama of Indian elections, where scripts are written with seats in mind.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is once more taking center stage as the curtain opens on the 2024 elections, this day with a throw that includes some of India’s wealthiest and most powerful numbers. The BJP’s strategy for winning is straightforward: introduce the Hindu nation’s culture and apply film as a powerful tool for spreading the information.
As the lights dim in theaters across the country, audiences are swept into narratives that do more than inspire, they gently indoctrinate the masses in the right- aircraft, BJP- aligned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS) charity military group’s Hindu patriotism.
By shaping narratives that slowly accept” Hindutva” ideologies, often yet employing Muslim actors to provide skewed messages, Bollywood contributes to a socio- social echo chamber in favor of Modi’s BJP.
Contemplate” Pathan”, featuring a Muslim singer, yet the film weaves a tale that’s everything but friendly of the society he represents. Use a precious Muslim experience to offer a story that gently stokes the flames of hostility against his own, mingling the bitter tablet of bias with the sugarcoat of mainstream cinema, is a smart ploy.
Then there is” Border,” which dramatizes historical conflicts with Pakistan to the point where it becomes a requirement for peacetime as well as a 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 RS S’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 RS S’s lines. The movie transforms military drama into a thrilling show of bravery, getting viewers riled up while ignoring the important questions about what these actions actually mean for everyone involved.
The film” Kurbaan” disguises itself as a love story, but it also instills distrust toward Muslims, who are primarily depicted as radicals or villains. The film blatantly exposes the fears and biases that some might harbor, bringing these ideas into public view. That perfectly complies with RS S’s attempt to marginalize Muslims, which causes India’s largest minority to remain on the sidelines under the pretext of a blockbuster story.
Post-9/11,” New York” had the potential to delve deeply into the injustices committed against Muslims. Instead, it falls back on old patterns, depicting its Muslim characters with an aura of suspicion and menace. The movie subtly strengthens misconceptions about Muslims both within India and abroad by weaving its storyline around the threat of terrorism in a way that supports the RS S’s point of view.
Bollywood movies transcend mere entertainment, they convey narratives cleverly crafted to align with the BJP’s political agenda. These Indian blockbusters perpetuate a cycle of fear and nationalistic fervor to win votes for the BJP while disregarding the need to forge national unity by consistently putting Muslims and Pakistan in the spotlight.
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 RS S’s narrative of nationalism and division resonates not just within its own circles but also among 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. Corporate titans like the Tata Group, which according to reports contributed a staggering 75 % of the party’s funds to the Progressive Electoral Trust, a trust owned by Tata, have significantly padded the BJP’s finances.
The BJP and big business’ cozy relations do n’t just involve financial contributions; they also underscore the danger of a select few with political and quasi-religious authority.
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 a single man could sway the Facebook and Microsoft CEOs to Bollywood tunes and Desi beats?
Yet, Ambani’s influence does n’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. The Ambanis have skillfully cultivated their soft power, ensuring that their influence transcends the confines of the boardroom. From cricket to cinema.
This growing economic and cultural influence is now largely dominated by the wealthy, which poses a serious threat to India’s democracy. Dissenting viewpoints are suppressed, and the media landscape is dominated by pro-BJP voices, putting the political opposition’s chances on the political front.
The common people are left in the dark as the BJP dances to the tune of its billionaire supporters. 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.
The BJP’s economic legacy is marred by mismanagement and hardship, from the turbulent demonetization of the rupee, which disproportionately affected the poor, to the hasty implementation of the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ), which hit small enterprises. Millions of Indians are vulnerable to economic hardship because of the lack of adequate social welfare programs, which raises 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 more disturbing reality: the event was planned by Texas India Forum, a US-based organization with close ties to the BJP and its supporters.
The BJP hopes to strengthen India’s soft power and influence on the global stage by fostering connections with powerful individuals from the Indian diaspora, particularly in nations like the US, Canada, and the UK. However, these efforts raise questions about how diaspora communities are politicized and how they affect India’s foreign policy objectives.
Let’s turn the page on Tata and Modi’s remarkable saga, which was forged amid the throes of corporate ambition when government support and policy nods opened up new opportunities for the corporate giant to advance and advance. Tata has n’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.
Imagine a cricket match where one team enjoys the smoothest pitch, the best bats, and even the most pleasant day of the week. That’s Tata’s playing field under Modi’s leadership. Every policy change and regulatory approval sounded like they were made specifically for Tata’s success, enabling the business to conjure success from the noise.
Then there’s the infrastructure boom. The revitalized India that Modi envisions is reminiscent of a busy construction site where Tata’s powerful machinery is constantly breaking ground. Yet, the surge is n’t confined to tangible assets, it’s a rebranding endeavor, with Tata positioned as the torchbearer of a futuristic,” Modi- fied” India.
And fans of the spectacle should not overlook the Air India saga, a once-heralded jewel of Indian aviation that is currently in need of a makeover. Who intervenes to restore the place to its former splendor? Naturally, Tata works with Modi’s administration to iron out the financial and administrative blunders like a seasoned tailor putting together a grand outfit.
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 is n’t just extensive, it’s profound and intricate, interwoven into the very tapestry of Modi’s narrative of national development.
The BJP is sitting wealthy and attractive at this year’s crucial elections thanks to the support of the likes of Ambani, Tata, and Bollywood, which is supporting its Hindu nationalist narrative.
One cannot help but wonder: Is this the inclusive democracy that India’s founding fathers envisioned as the chasm between the rich and the poor grows, distrust between Hindus and Muslims grows, and any dissent that acknowledges these realities harshly suppresses?
Sehr Rushmeen, a freelance researcher based in Islamabad, holds a BSc in international relations from the University of London and an MPhil in strategic studies from National Defence University. She is reachable by email at [email protected] and follow her on X at @rushmeentweets
Wanya Hassan Sidhu, a freelance researcher based in Islamabad, holds a BS in media communication from the Foundation University School of Science & Technology and an MS in media sciences. She can be reached by email at , [email protected] ,