I write this to depict some of the reel life of Bollywood in contrast to the real life of the Indian society with regard to the notion of rape and violence. The conservative Indian social life was well appreciated in spite of 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, life style of the people has changed with the change of time, yet some changes can bring disaster upon the 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 film industries brought about much goodness along with some unwanted scenes which greatly stimulate violence and crime. The glory of Indian society has lost some glamour after the dawn of film industries (more with modernization). The search for money, name and fame has brought low the social life. I do not term all movies under the same blanket. There are several movies which 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 the society, they should not depict them in their movies. Acting is a skill which may have no personal impact in the life of the actors. Yet personal rights inside the screen need not enhance violence in the society. Sometimes, it is good to see the world with bigger vision rather than to indulge in all immoral activities in the screen. The actor who appear with the bare minimum clothes on his/her body get 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 also many physical abuses which take place behind the screen. We still call them as our 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 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 for crime and violence. Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Shiney Ahuja, Shahrukh Khan, John Abraham, Fardeen Khan, Monica Bedi, Mamta Kulkarni, Shweta Basu, etc… are few celebrities who still retained their fame in spite of 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 applicable 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 and justice. The movies which depict good social or religious theme will certainly have some positive impact in the life of the viewers. Likewise, movies with rape scene or violence will definitely have its negative impact. This is how Bollywood has a share in the promotion of rape or abuses in different forms.
The Serial ‘Shaktimaan’ was 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 the society.
Today, parents find it difficult to watch movies along with their children. Likewise, children feel embarrassed to sit along with parents. Many scenes which are not meant for adults are at the reach of our young children. Bollywood must take utmost care with regard to 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 in the screen. The realization of the ill-effect of smoking has pressed the concern authorities to ban it on the screen. It was implemented for the interest of the larger society. Extreme violence must be done away in the Bollywood to create space for 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 worst character than most men. Yet, the law favours female more than men. Therefore, women can take advantage or preference in many places. But they must also realize that all violence do not emerge from men. Women can equally contribute towards the degradation of society. There can be many witch-character among the women folk. We all condemn rape and violence but many of us are unwilling to change ourselves for better. The increasing violence in our society must be dealt accordingly at the right time. Failure to do this will bring bitter harvest.
A good society is build upon men and women of good repute. May we all contribute towards the formation of the society.
