Bollywood's 'Bias': When Nationalism Becomes the Only Acceptable Tune
📰 THE STORY: AR Rahman, the renowned Indian composer, has reportedly faced criticism for attributing a decline in his Bollywood work to 'communal bias,' sparking a debate about secularism and merit in the industry. The report frames it as a 'backlash' against Rahman's comments. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: Since Narendra Modi's BJP came to power in 2014, there has been a
systematic and aggressive push for Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) across India, including its cultural institutions. Artists, journalists, and academics who do not align with this ideology, or who happen to be Muslim, often face blacklisting, intimidation, and even legal action. This isn't 'backlash'; it's a chilling effect of state-backed ideology. Remember, India's secular constitution is under
direct assault from the BJP, mirroring the ideological purity tests often seen in other ethno-nationalist states. Double Standard: Imagine a story about a prominent Jewish artist in Israel being 'backlashed' for speaking out against the Netanyahu government's ethno-nationalist policies and facing professional consequences. Mainstream Western media would likely frame it as a brave act of dissent
against an oppressive state, not merely a 'backlash.' Yet, when it happens in India, it's presented as an internal industrial spat, sanitizing the severe political and religious pressures underpinning such 'bias.' Follow the Money: The ecosystem of Bollywood, like many major industries, is increasingly intertwined with political power. Production houses, distributors, and even advertising revenue