The representation of Pakistani Muslims in Bollywood has been criticized for being inaccurate and highly stereotypical.
We also see that the depictions of Pakistani Muslim women in many Bollywood films often reinforce negative stereotypes. They are often passive and submissive, with little agency or autonomy. Additionally, many Bollywood films portray Pakistani Muslim women as overly sexual and exotic.
This kind of representation can be harmful as it perpetuates negative stereotypes and can reinforce discrimination against Pakistani Muslim women in India and other countries. perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women in general, leading to increased discrimination and marginalization.
One of those who highlighted the issue was Zunaira Inam Khan, the heartthrob wife of Pakistan’s Uthman Mukhtar, an avid social media user and vocal about her views on social issues. She is an Associate at the Institute of Regional Studies and a successful analyst in her research.
She took to Twitter to specifically mention the Muslim women featured in the recent films “Pathaan” and “Tiger” played by Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif.
The 27-year-old said, “Let me be clear, Bollywood hates Pakistani men and shows them as fanatics in catfish topis, but worships Pakistani women as ISI agents in sexy bikinis. Do you? I.. don’t know how I feel about this.”
Let me be clear, Bollywood hates Pakistani men and shows them all as namadhi topis wearing fanatics, whereas Pakistani women adore them as sexy bikinis wearing ISI agents mosquito?
I… don’t know how I feel about this.#pattern #tiger
— Zunaira Inam Khan (@ZunairaInam) January 27, 2023
Many Bollywood films portray Pakistani Muslims as one-dimensional and oversimplified figures, often portraying them as ‘the other’. and may contribute to perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Muslims in general.
The media also play a key role in shaping public perceptions, and it is imperative that they do not perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination. It is important for the media to portray all women, including Pakistani Muslim women, in a subtle and precise manner that portrays them as complex, multidimensional individuals with unique experiences and perspectives.
