The Cinematic Representation of Tribal Identity in Bollywood

Abstract

This paper looks at the future of tribal women in India.  Tribal representation in Popular Hindi Cinema has been sparse and insignificant for most of its history. While it is not uncommon to find elements of tribal culture portrayed in Popular Hindi Cinema, it has rarely been a significant part of the theme of the films. Most of the 20^th century films with Tribal representation have been criticized for problematic representation of tribal culture. Plenty of instances of misrepresentation and stereotyping can be found in films released during this period. Many films resorted to tribal culture and characters as mere objects of entertainment and have been excluded from the main plot of the film. Moreover, stories of the tribal characters themselves have barely been told. In the early 2000s we saw a decline in the problematic representation, and Laal Salaam (2002) was one of the rare films to portray the real-life issues faced by modern day tribals. It explores how Hindi cinema can help change societal attitudes toward tribal women. Tribal women have long faced discrimination and neglect in India. Tribal women's stories are often misrepresented in Bollywood's movies. This creates huge stereotypes. This study is about a future where hindi films portray tribal women as strong and capable. It shows how evolving narratives in Hindi cinema can inspire change. Positive representations of tribal women can lead to better respect, equality also opportunities for them. The paper highlights the need for filmmakers to research and understand tribal cultures very deeply. By 2047 Hindi cinema could become a tool for empowering tribal women. It could influence society to appreciate their skills, knowledge and also traditions. This paper discusses how inclusive storytelling can connect mainstream audiences with tribal communities. It focuses on how better media representation can promote gender equality and break barriers for tribal women.