ISLAMABAD, A new study has revealed that the perception of Muslims as suspicious individuals within and beyond India’s borders has intensified since the 2014 ascendancy of the Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Narendra Modi. The study specifically points to the influential Bollywood industry, asserting its role in amplifying these sentiments by consistently casting Muslims in negative roles, especially in films centered on terrorism.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Bollywood has significantly influenced this perception by frequently depicting Muslims in a negative light, often portraying them as terrorists. Past studies have similarly attempted to gauge the extent of this representation. For instance, an analysis of 50 movies selected from 350 films featuring Muslim characters sought to categorize the portrayal of Muslims as either favourable, unfavourable, or neutral. The findings revealed that a mere 4.4% presented Muslims favourably, while a striking 65.2% showcased them unfavourably and 30.4% remained neutral.

A specific study by Umar (2020) analyzed two significant Bollywood movies: “Kurbaan” (2009) and “My Name is Khan” (2010). Both films explored the depiction of Muslims post the 9/11 attacks. While “Kurbaan” portrayed Muslims as aggressive and linked with terrorism, “My Name is Khan,” released a year later, sought to challenge stereotypes about Muslims. Both films were notably helmed and starred individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, reflecting India’s pluralistic society. Umar’s study explored the two films’ contrasting representations of events related to September 11 and global terrorism.

The study concludes that the Indian film industry capitalized on global events, often opting to cast Muslims as the antagonists. Additionally, it noted that films have depicted those advocating for Kashmir’s freedom as militants and terrorists.