How is entertainment industry anti national?

Bollywood and regional cinema are biggest form of India's soft power.

Stars and filmmakers, musicians were always used for cultural diplomacy and promoting govt schemes, culture, nationalism.

All parties use celebs for campaigns nowadays in elections. And keep their doors open for celebs to join politics.

Bollywood and TV single handedly popularised Hindi both in India and globally.

Brought people of all languages and states, communities together.

Promoted progressive values, gave social messages, message on laws and their use/misuse, showed Indian culture superior to all other cultures and nations.

Bollywood and TV, music stars have raised funds for victims of natural disasters and wars.

When India went to war in 1965, 1971, 1999 it was Bollywood stars who did concerts to raise funds for soldiers and their families.

If there is one industry where people of all backgrounds worked together and broke barriers of region, religion, caste or communal differences, it is entertainment industry.

It is entertainment industry that keeps people distracted from deeds of govts and real life miseries. It is entertainment industry that kept people at home during lockdown. It is entertainment industry that time to time educated people on everything from polio drops, vaccines, HIV/AIDS to even basics such as washing hands, using toilets, ot wearing masks during pandemic. It is entertainment industry that gives solace to people sitting alone at home be it lonely kids or housewives or retired folks. It gives you sense of connection even if you have nothing else and no one to talk to in real life. It gives people hope and solace, a reason to pass time.

It is chances to work in music, dance, performing arts and lure to become a star that is used by State also to wean off youth from crime, miltiancy and radicalisation and they are encouraged to go to talent hunts and become actors or musicians.

It is films that promoted glory and love for armed forces.

Even in films that show human rights violations or riots, they always show good officers, judges, good Samaritans.

It is stars who are used to proclaim normalcy in conflict regions. Sridevi, Salman Khan, Amrish Puri, Dharmendra, Sunil Dutt went to Punjab in early 90s to show things were getting normal there and it was safe to travel or shoot films there. Sunil Dutt took a peace march to Punjab after 1984.

If stars were anti nationals, had terror links, underworld links then why would PMs, CMs, army men and cops like KPS Gill meet them or invite them or use artistes for govt campaigns, election campaigns, diplomacy and even backchannel talks with other nations?

Salman was invited by KPS Gill to Punjab in early 90s. Will keyboard nationalists say KPS Gill invited an underworld man?

If Aamir Khan films break records in China and sometimes outgross every film in China including their local Chinese films then it shows success of Bollywood as India's soft power. Same for success of SRK films in Germany, Indonesia. That is soft power in all its glory. Should Bollywood get credit for that or be tarnished as hub of druggies, mafia, terrorists and anti nationals?

Shatrughan Sinha was close to General Zia Ul Haq, considered his daughter as his Rakhi sister. He often went to Pakistan and also hosted General Zia's family when they came to India. Was it anti national? He became union minister in Atal govt. Never saw anyone bash the hell out of him because everyone knows these are part of soft power and cultural diplomacy.

Do keyboard warriors or newly minted nationalist talking heads on TV even understand what soft power and cultural diplomacy is? Do they have evidence of their allegations? Do they think RAW, IB, NIA, would keep asleep if someone was indeed working against nation? Do shouting anchors on TV and anonymous trolls know more than intelligence agencies?

If stars and filmmakers were indeed anti India or in touch with foreign agencies, they would have been investigated and interrogated by NIA, IB, RAW ages ago. Intelligence agencies know more than average TV anchors or trolls for sure.

What is the basis of calling industry anti national and negating all work it has done to promote ideas of unity, national integration?

It is unfair to use services of artistes who often work for free for public service causes, and then target them 24/7. Why is work of this industry not investigated, their funds audited, their 'anti nationals' having allegations proven against them or their work banned from public broadcasting if they are so harmful to interests of nation?

It is Bollywood that has popularised songs celebrating identifying as Indian or Hindustani and given message to rise above states or communal identity to identify as Indians first. It is this industry that has always given message against radicalisation and violence in name of identity or hate crimes.

It is entertainment industry that promoted Indian foods, festivals, customs, dresses, looks, jewellery, music and dances. People living abroad count on Indian shows and films to introduce their kids to what India looks like.

If you find foreigners dancing to Indian songs or dressing in Indian style clothes it is due to entertainment industry.

It has many faults and has a lot to catch up on but it is certainly not fair to link it to terrorism and call it anti national or accuse it of subversive activities against nation without any solid evidence.

As for drugs or sexual exploitation or nepotism, corruption, every industry has such bad fish. No one reports about them the way they love juicy gossip about celebs.

It is time a line is drawn finally. Entertainment industry should either be investigated, interrogated, audited or banned or those sections calling it anti national should be asked to shut up. Contributions of industry in national integration and as soft power tool should not be junked the way they are now.

I don't think entertainment industry can be any county's soft power. Is Hollywood America's soft power? No. A lot of people love Hollywood but don't care about the USA.

Bollywood is Bollywood's soft power, not any nation's. Bollywood has a global audience who love it solely because of the entertainment it provides.

Bollywood has also promoted several harmful racist and sexist stereotypes, vilified religions including Hinduism. It has promoted stalking and passed off sexual harassment as 'romance'.

I'm not saying Bollywood deserves to be targeted or maligned the way it is now, but it's not some foreign ambassador of India as you're making it out to be. It is what it is, a film industry with global appeal, with both good and bad in it. Some love it, some don't. It appeals to people who connect with it on an individual level. Nothing to do with whether it's based in India or Timbucktoo.

Bollywood is loved for its vibrant culture and ability to tap into the emotions of the masses. People who love it, love it regardless of which country it is from. Bollywood is an emotion for many who grew up watching it.

Yes Hollywood is USA's soft power. And our cinema, TV, music are our soft power.

Sexism or stereotypes are in all film industries. Not unique to Bollywood.

Bollywood artistes have been used for cultural diplomacy from times of Nehru. And are also used to wean youth away from radicalisation and towards arts in insurgent prone regions as they have been used in Punjab and Assam. There is a reason KPS Gill invited film stars in early 1990s to visit Punjab and nowadays artistes are invited to Kashmir.

Entertainment industry is NO way the anti national or terrorist linked factory as it is maligned since last 1 year by IT cell of a particular party.

Even regional artistes who are much maligned by IT cells now, have made films promoting nationalist narratives. Diljit's Punjab 1984 shows dark side of militancy and infighting among militants, pain of parents of youth who joined miltiancy. It no way glorifies secessionism which is why it won National award in 2014 yet that man is labeled Khalistani just because he supported farmer protests.

You are clearly dismissing impact of entertainment industry in promoting Hindi, and sense of Indian identity beyond just states and own villages or tribes. Plenty of papers have been written on impact of entertainment industry and how it was deftly used by govts also to drive a sense of national integration and identity. Rather regional chauvinists and secessionists resent Bollywood for its impact in popularizing Hindi as a language and inducing aspiration in youth to join Mumbai film industry, leaving their own home states and villages.

I can post several links of studies on impact of cinema in nation building and cultural impact in post insurgency/conflict zones if you want.

There is a reason why Afridi once admitted he wanted to smash his TV when he saw his daughter copying an aarti scene from an Indian film and PEMRA had briefly banned Indian films and serials as they felt Indian films were impacting culture and language of youth in Pakistan.

There are a number of people who learnt Hindi only after watching Bollywood or wanted to visit India after watching a film.

Role of cinema and TV in connecting people across borders, religious or caste lines can not be underestimated.

There is a reason why politicians seek to control cinema and TV as they also know impact of pop culture on masses.

Bollywood has definitely done a great job in emerging as a cultural unifier of sorts. That cannot be denied, absolutely. But using artists for diplomacy is ridiculous in my opinion. Artistes should not be used for politics, except when making political films which they have the right to make.

And no, Hollywood isn't USA's soft power, especially since there are many people who love Hollywood but absolutely loathe the USA. Many times Hollywood stars themselves speak out against American government and stuff. Gone are the days when Hollywood would make Cold War era propaganda movies against Russian Communists. Now it's more of an global film industry which happens to be situated in the USA.

Bollywood is partially like that. It's based in India, but it has admirers worldwide who may or may not know anything about India. People wanting to learn Hindi after watching Bollywood are few in number; the vast majority are happy to watch it in subtitles. 😆

Many Pakistanis who hate India love Bollywood. Innumerable such folks in both Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangladeshis in particular, have a noticeable dislike against India, but they lap up Indian entertainment in droves---both Bollywood and TV.

Entertainment is entertainment. It's popularity depends on how much it manages to make the viewer identify with it.

My answer is above. Forgot to tag you in the first post.

Originally posted by: atominis

Bollywood and regional cinema are biggest form of India's soft power.

Stars and filmmakers, musicians were always used for cultural diplomacy and promoting govt schemes, culture, nationalism.

All parties use celebs for campaigns nowadays in elections. And keep their doors open for celebs to join politics.

Bollywood and TV single handedly popularised Hindi both in India and globally.

Brought people of all languages and states, communities together.

Promoted progressive values, gave social messages, message on laws and their use/misuse, showed Indian culture superior to all other cultures and nations.

Bollywood and TV, music stars have raised funds for victims of natural disasters and wars.

When India went to war in 1965, 1971, 1999 it was Bollywood stars who did concerts to raise funds for soldiers and their families.

If there is one industry where people of all backgrounds worked together and broke barriers of region, religion, caste or communal differences, it is entertainment industry.

It is entertainment industry that keeps people distracted from deeds of govts and real life miseries. It is entertainment industry that kept people at home during lockdown. It is entertainment industry that time to time educated people on everything from polio drops, vaccines, HIV/AIDS to even basics such as washing hands, using toilets, ot wearing masks during pandemic. It is entertainment industry that gives solace to people sitting alone at home be it lonely kids or housewives or retired folks. It gives you sense of connection even if you have nothing else and no one to talk to in real life. It gives people hope and solace, a reason to pass time.

It is chances to work in music, dance, performing arts and lure to become a star that is used by State also to wean off youth from crime, miltiancy and radicalisation and they are encouraged to go to talent hunts and become actors or musicians.

It is films that promoted glory and love for armed forces.

Even in films that show human rights violations or riots, they always show good officers, judges, good Samaritans.

It is stars who are used to proclaim normalcy in conflict regions. Sridevi, Salman Khan, Amrish Puri, Dharmendra, Sunil Dutt went to Punjab in early 90s to show things were getting normal there and it was safe to travel or shoot films there. Sunil Dutt took a peace march to Punjab after 1984.

If stars were anti nationals, had terror links, underworld links then why would PMs, CMs, army men and cops like KPS Gill meet them or invite them or use artistes for govt campaigns, election campaigns, diplomacy and even backchannel talks with other nations?

Salman was invited by KPS Gill to Punjab in early 90s. Will keyboard nationalists say KPS Gill invited an underworld man?

If Aamir Khan films break records in China and sometimes outgross every film in China including their local Chinese films then it shows success of Bollywood as India's soft power. Same for success of SRK films in Germany, Indonesia. That is soft power in all its glory. Should Bollywood get credit for that or be tarnished as hub of druggies, mafia, terrorists and anti nationals?

Shatrughan Sinha was close to General Zia Ul Haq, considered his daughter as his Rakhi sister. He often went to Pakistan and also hosted General Zia's family when they came to India. Was it anti national? He became union minister in Atal govt. Never saw anyone bash the hell out of him because everyone knows these are part of soft power and cultural diplomacy.

Do keyboard warriors or newly minted nationalist talking heads on TV even understand what soft power and cultural diplomacy is? Do they have evidence of their allegations? Do they think RAW, IB, NIA, would keep asleep if someone was indeed working against nation? Do shouting anchors on TV and anonymous trolls know more than intelligence agencies?

If stars and filmmakers were indeed anti India or in touch with foreign agencies, they would have been investigated and interrogated by NIA, IB, RAW ages ago. Intelligence agencies know more than average TV anchors or trolls for sure.

What is the basis of calling industry anti national and negating all work it has done to promote ideas of unity, national integration?

It is unfair to use services of artistes who often work for free for public service causes, and then target them 24/7. Why is work of this industry not investigated, their funds audited, their 'anti nationals' having allegations proven against them or their work banned from public broadcasting if they are so harmful to interests of nation?

It is Bollywood that has popularised songs celebrating identifying as Indian or Hindustani and given message to rise above states or communal identity to identify as Indians first. It is this industry that has always given message against radicalisation and violence in name of identity or hate crimes.

It is entertainment industry that promoted Indian foods, festivals, customs, dresses, looks, jewellery, music and dances. People living abroad count on Indian shows and films to introduce their kids to what India looks like.

If you find foreigners dancing to Indian songs or dressing in Indian style clothes it is due to entertainment industry.

It has many faults and has a lot to catch up on but it is certainly not fair to link it to terrorism and call it anti national or accuse it of subversive activities against nation without any solid evidence.

As for drugs or sexual exploitation or nepotism, corruption, every industry has such bad fish. No one reports about them the way they love juicy gossip about celebs.

It is time a line is drawn finally. Entertainment industry should either be investigated, interrogated, audited or banned or those sections calling it anti national should be asked to shut up. Contributions of industry in national integration and as soft power tool should not be junked the way they are now.

Have claimed this since the start of those 'namune' SSR social justice warriors and their stupidity (obviously) w/ the blessings the current gov at not recognizing the importance of soft power and Cinema as a powerful tool.. such idiots!!

That is your personal opinion.

If it was just entertainment then govts, agencies and cops involved in anti terror ops would not hold meetings with filmmakers, singers and stars. They know impact of pop culture.

I cannot post links here but on YouTube you can find videos of several old time (failed) secessionist leaders and ideologues whining and blaming Bollywood and TV for enamouring their youth, changing their culture and defeating their religious radicalisation agenda and agenda to break away youth from Indian culture and identity.

Late KPS Gill used to hold meetings with stars like Gurdas Maan, Deols, Punjabi origin stars like Amrish Puri, Sunil Dutt, Jeetendra etc to make films, songs, movies to change mindset of youth and promote deradicalisation efforts, undo effects of fundamentalists. This is exactly what movies later did and songs projected new ideal of youth and masculinity for younger audience.

Today artistes are also being used to redefine idea of Kashmiri identity in J&K. And militants do fear it which is why they used to threaten Zaira Wasim few years ago as her success at such a young age was potentially enticing for other youth in the region as well.

You may not agree but writers, artistes, filmmakers, activists, craftsmen, traders, sportspersons are all part of cultural diplomacy. That is a state policy. All countries do it. This is why new govt began to insist on ban on Pakistani serials and artistes in India and now looks for excuses to ban sports matches with Pak athletes too and is less keen on religious tourism for pilgrims at Sharda Peeth, Katas Raj temples, Nankana Sahib etc or their people visiting India for Urs at Ajmer. Same way as Pakistan banning even Indian toons like Chhota Bheem or resenting popularity of Mahabharat and Ramayana serials in Pakistan, because they feared impact of these epics on their kids and culture.

It sounds baseless at face value. But it happens. There are plenty of toons, comics and films that Hollywood has used for pushing pro US agenda and attacking rivals of USA such as Japan during WW era. Pop culture is never just entertainment.

Bollywood and TV is also used strongly to assert India's position on issues such as Kashmir. There is a reason why Sunny Deol is hated in Pakistan.

Sunny Deol was disliked by Khalistanis also because his films Border and Gadar became huge hits and single handedly inspired youth to be more nationalist and projected image of sardar as warriors ready to live and die for India only. His Border inspired kids to join armed forces and gave them an onscreen role model, away from radical propaganda of secessionists.

As someone who has not only read about cinema, music and TV, cartoons, comics, used to push govt, State and cultural narratives, but also seen first-hand how failed secessionists bash Bollywood, I am aware of what I am talking about. The impact is slow and gradual. It is seen over time.

Govt of India had also issued guidelines sometime in late 80s, asking filmmakers to make more family oriented films, films that promote Indian family values, harmony. Partly it was done to sell different aspirations to youth and kids and wean them away from violence and rebellion espoused in 80s, when many parts of India were simmering with several active insurgent movements. It is mentioned in documentary on making of HAHK and how well received the film was, from all quarters for its clean, non violent, family oriented content. And how its success changed trend for commercial cinema in 90s.

Manoj Kumar was iconic purely for his nationalist films and promoting superiority of Indian culture over western culture in his films, giving a sense of pride to otherwise dejected masses when country was battling economic, food crisis and wars.

Our TV, cinema, music may have bazillion faults but they have created a certain culture and sense of national identity even through songs like Mile Sur Mera Tumhara that still airs on DD.

When agencies and govts know how they have used cinema, music, TV and pop culture to their advantage successfully in last 70 plus years, I am shocked how anyone can call Bollywood anti national or ISI infested.

Cinema was used even before 1947 to push pro independence and anti colonial narratives through films and songs. Leaders themselves encouraged such films back then to portray India's freedom struggle as legitimate and use cinema as a tool to inspire masses and seek support from international lobby for independence of India. There is a paper on this BTW.

Govt of today or IT cell trolls have forgotten how Savarkar had called cinema a tool for future and called it best tool to propagate any message among masses. Despite other leaders of that time hating on cinema or dissing it as a waste of time or corrupting influence on youth.

Indian entertainment industry regional and Bollywood combined, can be called anything except anti national or having terror links. That is my only point.

If it a terror hub or ISI agent hub then why is Govt asking same industry to make films promoting Indian values and culture in 75th year of independence?

I read some veteran editors had also criticised govt, media and IT cell trolls for attack on Bollywood and called it a self sabotaging act which would harm national interests in long run.

Same way targeting companies, music, artists, writers, graphic designers, ads, brands is foolish when mostly done over petty non issues.

Bollywood, TV are disliked by radicals, fundamentalists and secessionists. For certain reasons. Silly for self styled custodians of nationalism to call industry as anti national that too over suicide of an actor who was part of same industry.

Drugs are used in plenty by politicians as well. They will not have place to hide if they and their brats' debauched lifestyle and tryst with drugs is exposed.

Originally posted by: atominis

I read some veteran editors had also criticised govt, media and IT cell trolls for attack on Bollywood and called it a self sabotaging act which would harm national interests in long run.

Same way targeting companies, music, artists, writers, graphic designers, ads, brands is foolish when mostly done over petty non issues.

Bollywood, TV are disliked by radicals, fundamentalists and secessionists. For certain reasons. Silly for self styled custodians of nationalism to call industry as anti national that too over suicide of an actor who was part of same industry.

Drugs are used in plenty by politicians as well. They will not have place to hide if they and their brats' debauched lifestyle and tryst with drugs is exposed.

Nationalist movements abhor arts and since cinema is conceptually liberal and progressive, is usually the first target... This whole campaign against BW and many other such things currently going on is textbook nationalism.. reconstruction of an imagined and collective identity based on the simple 'us vs them'... usually begins with identifying and categorizing the so-called 'enemies', demonstrated with a sudden and exaggerated hatred of those Others, an affinity with chauvinism, ethnic hatred, and fantasies about destined future and the “foe’s” humiliated position in this future, e.g., as apparent by the way, those SSR SJW on Twitter, are salivating at the 'future' failure/humiliation of every second BW somebody or nobody...

I can't remember properly now but Julia Kristeva, Kinvall, Peter Sztompka, and of course Benedict Anderson has some nice input on these processes.. and they are all usually the same irrespective of region or religion.. LOLs.

Anti national is a stupid term that was cooked up to dismiss anyone who doesn't agree with the insane rhetoric of a certain group of people who couldn't care less about the nation.It doesn't even mean anything. Saffron McCarthyism.