People's Edit
Is Bollywood Promoting Rape and Violence?
Opinion | People's Edit | G.L. Khing | 14-Oct-2020
I write this Article to depict some of the reel life of Bollywood in contrast to the real life of the Indian society concerning the notion of rape and violence. The conservative Indian social life was well appreciated despite some evil practices that existed. During the age of colonization, the Britishers along with some Indian intellectuals tried to reform the then-existing evils of the society. Even the colonizers had high regard for the social life of the Indians. Most Indian States were more conservative than we see it today. The Indians were preserved from being contaminated by other culture to a great extent. Presently, the lifestyle of the people has changed with the change of time, yet some changes can bring disaster upon society. Changes are good, but all changes are not acceptable. Some changes must undergo refinement before they are made available to the citizens.
The birth of the film industries brought about much awareness on different issues along with some unwanted scenes which greatly stimulate violence and crime. The glory of Indian society has lost some glamour after the dawn of the film industries (more with modernization). The search for money, name, and fame has brought low social life. I do not term all movies under the same brand. Several movies need salutation for their inspirational imprint in the hearts and minds of the people. Such movies have promoted the welfare of the society.
The depiction of killing and rape in some Indian movies encourage the viewers to be so. Many movies portray violence and crime to a great height. Movies represent the existing life condition of the people. But if actors are truly against such heinous crime in society, they should not depict them in their movies. Acting is a skill that may have no personal impact on the life of the actors. Yet personal rights inside the screen need not enhance violence in society. Sometimes, it is good to see the world with a bigger vision rather than to indulge in all immoral activities on the screen. The actor who appears with the bare minimum clothes on his/her body gets the highest pay. Movies with more violence and crime get more viewers. Is this how they claim to be heroes and heroines? Today, the fame of an actor depends on his/her ability to depict sensuality among the viewers. There are numerous cases of physical abuse that take place behind the screen. We still call them heroes because their personal life is hidden from us. There are many tears behind the smiles of actors and actresses. Celebrities too have their dark shadows. Therefore, every viewer must develop a critical analysis of movies.
Not all actors are as perfect as they appear to be. Many of them are blacklisted in the law. Some of them are convicted of crimes and violence. Some celebrities still retained their fame despite their criminal records. We should be wise enough to see the real-life of the actors rather than to be absorbed in their reel life. A lower (or even higher) form of prostitution is allowed in the film industries to appease the sensuality of the audience. Yet many actors speak for human rights in big platforms. This is done to gain name and fame in the society. The phrase, “men/women must behave like this/that” is too vague in the real life. The same can be applied in the reel life of the screen which indeed is not done. There is no wrong in creativity to capture the attention of the viewers, but no actor should encourage the viewers to take up violence (morally or physically)
I am sure all the film producers and directors stand for human rights, equality and justice. Movies which depict good social or religious theme will certainly have some positive impact on the life of the viewers. Likewise, movies with rape scenes or violence will definitely have a negative impact. This is how Bollywood has a share in the promotion of rape or other forms of abuse in our present times. The Serial ‘Shaktimaan’ was once withdrawn from the Doordarshan due to its adverse repercussion in the life of young kids. Many died in the process of imitating their hero. The hero is not directly responsible for such action, but he is indirectly culpable for the same. The little screen (TV) has become an integral part of the Indian family. It has influenced our words and actions. In the long run, it can even capture our very pattern of thinking and attitude which may not be very pleasing to society.
Today, parents find it difficult to watch movies along with their children. Likewise, children feel embarrassed to sit along with their parents. Many scenes that are meant for adults are at the reach of our young children. Bollywood must take the utmost care concerning the depiction of violence in any form. This will form our generation towards building a better and safer society. It must have been a hard task to do away with smoking on the screen. The realization of the ill-effect of smoking has pressed the concerned authorities to ban it on the screen. It was implemented for the interest of the larger society. Extreme violence must be done away in Bollywood to create space for a better India.
The recent outburst of cry and anger against rape and violence has caught all attention. This does not mean all women are better than men. There are women with the worst character than most men. Yet, the law favours females more than men. Therefore, women can take advantage or preference in many places. But they must also realize that all violence does not emerge from men. Women can equally contribute to the degradation of society. There can be many witch-characters among women folk. We all condemn rape and violence but many of us are unwilling to change ourselves for the better. The increasing violence in our society must be dealt with accordingly at the right time. Failure to do this will bring a bitter harvest.A good society is built upon men and women of good repute. May we all contribute towards the formation of a society where everyone is counted important and necessary. We need dignified men and women of good character to dignify our society.
(The Author is a Priest in the Diocese of Kohima, and can be reached on glkhing1982@gmail.com. Views expressed are personal)
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