The Subtle Objectification and Toxic Masculinity in Bollywood.

Bollywood, known for its vibrant colors, catchy songs, and dramatic storylines, is also notorious for its portrayal of women. While Bollywood films may entertain millions, they often subtly objectify and sexualize female characters, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing gender inequality. In addition to objectification, Bollywood also often portrays toxic masculinity, influencing young men to emulate behaviors that are harmful to themselves and others. In this article, we will explore how women are objectified and how toxic masculinity is portrayed in Bollywood films, songs, and promotional material, and the impact this has on society.

1. Item Songs

Bollywood films often feature item songs, which typically showcase scantily clad women dancing provocatively. While these songs may seem harmless, they serve to objectify and sexualize women, reducing them to mere props for the male gaze. 

Example:

Song: "Chikni Chameli" from the movie "Agneepath" (2012)  

  This item song features Katrina Kaif dancing provocatively in revealing clothing. The focus of the song is on Katrina Kaif's sensuality, with the camera lingering on her body and movements rather than serving any narrative purpose.

2. Camera Angles and Framing: 

The way female characters are framed and shot in Bollywood films can subtly objectify them. 

Example

Song: "Mere Haath Mein" from the movie "Fanaa" (2006)  

  In this song, Kajol is shown wearing a white saree, and the camera frequently zooms in on her midriff and curves. The framing of the shots emphasizes her physical beauty rather than her character or the emotions of the scene.

3. Dialogue and Characterization:

Female characters in Bollywood films are often written in stereotypical roles that reinforce traditional gender norms. 

Example:

Movie "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995)  

  In this iconic film, Simran, played by Kajol, is portrayed as a traditional Indian girl whose main goal in life is to get married. While her character undergoes some development throughout the film, her dialogue often revolves around her love interest, Raj, played by Shah Rukh Khan, rather than her own ambitions or desires.

Example

 Dialogue from "Kabir Singh"   

Kabir Singh: "Tujhe dekha hain jabse, haan main toh hil gaya. Baby kaam kar le na. Tu modeling karti hain na? Seedha ramp pe aaja."

   Translation: "Since I've seen you, I've been shaken. Baby, do some work. You do modeling, right? Come straight to the ramp."

4. Costume Choices:

The costumes worn by female characters in Bollywood films can also contribute to their objectification. 

Example:

Song: "Sheila Ki Jawani" from the movie "Tees Maar Khan" (2010)  

  In this item song, Katrina Kaif wears a series of revealing outfits that prioritize style over practicality. The costumes are designed to show off her figure and emphasize her sexuality rather than serving the character or the story.

5. Promotional Material:

The way female actors are portrayed in promotional material for Bollywood films can also contribute to their objectification. 

example: "Race 3" (2018)  

  The promotional material for "Race 3" prominently features Daisy Shah in revealing outfits, emphasizing her sex appeal rather than her role in the film.

Impact of Toxic Masculinity:

Films like "Kabir Singh" normalize toxic behavior such as aggression, possessiveness, and control over women. Young men who watch these films may internalize these behaviors and believe that they are acceptable or even desirable. This can lead to a perpetuation of toxic masculinity and unhealthy relationship dynamics.

The portrayal of women as objects of desire in Bollywood films can have a detrimental effect on the self-esteem and body image of female audience members. When women are constantly portrayed as objects of male desire, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Additionally, the normalization of toxic masculinity in these films can lead to women being subjected to controlling and abusive behavior in their own relationships. 

Example:

Movie: "Kabir Singh" (2019)  

  In "Kabir Singh," the titular character exhibits controlling, possessive, and aggressive behavior towards women. His behavior is portrayed as heroic, leading young men to believe that such behavior is acceptable and even desirable.

Subtle Portrayal of Women as Second Lead:

In addition to objectification, Bollywood also subtly portrays women as secondary to male characters, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

Example

Movie: "3 Idiots" (2009)  

  In "3 Idiots," Kareena Kapoor's character, Pia, is a talented and independent woman. However, her role in the film revolves around supporting the male protagonist, Rancho, played by Aamir Khan, rather than pursuing her own goals and aspirations.

The objectification of women and portrayal of toxic masculinity in Bollywood films may be subtle, but their impact on society is significant. By perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing gender inequality, Bollywood films contribute to a culture that devalues women and promotes unhealthy notions of masculinity. Raising awareness about these issues is essential for promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes in Indian society.

By addressing these issues, we can advocate for more diverse and positive representation of women in Bollywood films, portraying them as fully realized characters with their own agency, ambitions, and complexities, rather than as mere objects of male desire. Similarly, we can encourage more nuanced portrayals of masculinity that reject toxic behaviors and promote healthy relationships and attitudes towards women.