Partition narratives in Hindi cinema, a critical examination of historical authenticity and cultural memory

Abstract

Current discussions around citizenship and belonging in India and South Asia are perpetually influenced by the Partition, which serves as "the condition of possibility for the gendered ethnicization of citizenship and belonging in postcolonial South Asia." Although it remains prominent in popular consciousness, the violence and trauma have mostly been obscured as the Indian state has declined to commemorate the event in any form. In the lack of institutional memorialization, literature and films about Partition, coupled with personal accounts, serve as a significant medium for commemorating the human suffering, requiring a re-evaluation of Partition violence. While historians offer a broader context for comprehending Partition violence, the intricate nuances of loss, pain, and suffering are often more effectively conveyed in the works of creative writers and filmmakers, serving as a counterpoint to official narratives by focusing on individual experiences. Hindi cinema, commonly known as Bollywood, has been instrumental in safeguarding and promoting India's extensive cultural history. This research study examines the relationship between Hindi cinema and the preservation of Partition narratives within it. This study examines how Hindi cinema serves as a potent tool for cultural preservation by highlighting many facets of Indian culture, historical authenticity, traditional rites, festivals, familial systems, and regional customs.