Representation of Muslim Women in Indian Cinema

Previous studies have indicated that the popular media portrays Muslim women as oppressed and silent victims of their religion and patriarchy. This paper uses content analysis method to analyse Bollywood movies in order to answer following questions: Do Muslim women have adequate representation in Indian cinema? How have Muslim women been represented in Bollywood across different time periods? How these portrayals have evolved overtime, and whether they contribute to or challenge existing stereotypes? As per this study, Muslim women have had limited and stereotypical representation in Indian cinema. The portrayal of Musim women in Indian cinema has transitioned from beautiful courtesans to silent victims and finally to patriotic Indians. However, over a period of time attempts were made to break these stereotypes. This paper further goes into problematizing how in the process of breaking old stereotypes new stereotypes emerge. Since representation in itself is very status-quo maintaining, it is seen that the stereotypes shown on the screen being the reality of some while there are others who implement what is shown on screen in their lives. This seems like an endless cycle, but attempts are being made to start a new and better discourse.