Posts

Showing posts from November, 2023

Understanding Gender Intersectionality Through Indian Films

Image
Gender intersectionality, a concept rooted in the recognition that individuals' identities and experiences are shaped by a complex interplay of various social categories, has gained prominence in academic discourse. Indian cinema, a powerful medium with a vast and diverse cultural landscape, provides a unique lens through which to explore and understand gender intersectionality. This essay aims to delve into the nuanced portrayals of gender in Indian films, exploring how they reflect and contribute to the intricate intersections of identity, power, and social structures. Historical Context: To comprehend the evolution of gender representation in Indian cinema, it is crucial to consider the historical context. Early Indian films often adhered to traditional gender roles, portraying women as submissive and men as dominant. However, as societal attitudes evolved, so did cinematic narratives. The parallel cinema movement of the 1970s and 1980s challenged conventional norms, offering mo

'Article 15': An Intersection of Caste and Gender

Image
"Kabhi harijan ban jaate hai, kabhi bahujan ban jaate hai; bas jan nahi ban paate"  These lines spoken in the film by a Dalit rebel, Nishaad, played by Muhammad Zeeshan Ayyub, are an eye-opener reflecting how we still fail miserably to include people from lower castes as fair and equal citizens of this nation. Ayushmann Khurrana- starrer this 2019 film has Isha Talvar, Sayani Gupta, Manoj Pahwa, Sushil Pandey, and others in important roles. Set in a small village in UP- ‘Laalgaon,’ it highlights the intersectionality between caste and gender where three girls are raped and two murdered because they asked for a mere 3-rupees raise in their daily wage. Rape is the fourth most common crime against women in India. According to the 2021 annual report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 31,677 rape cases were registered across the country, or an average of 86 cases daily. There is no denying that women in India are highly vulnerable, but what makes things worse is the addi