Sacred to Satirical: Bollywood's Journey of Hindu Deities from Devotion to Pop Culture

Cinema and society are deeply interconnected, influencing and reflecting each other. In India, Bollywood has played a significant role in shaping public perception for decades. This paper examines the shift in Bollywood’s representation of Sanatana Dharma, tracing its transformation from reverence to distortion and trivialization. A comparative study of Bollywood songs from the 1950s to the 21st century highlights how Hinduism, once depicted with respect, has increasingly been subjected to caricature, commodification, and misrepresentation. This research critically analyzes how Bollywood, over time, has systematically targeted Sanatana Dharma, distorting its essence through pejorative portrayals of Hindu deities, sacred symbols, and rituals. Hindu religious imagery has also been exploited for commercial gains, reinforcing stereotypical narratives that contribute to Hinduphobia or Anti-Hindu. This paper employs a qualitative and analytical methodology to assess the evolving patterns of anti-Hindu narratives in Bollywood. Through critical discourse analysis, it explores how Bollywood’s portrayal of Hinduism has led to misinformation and alienation, influencing audience perception and fostering cultural ignorance. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a balanced and truthful representation of Sanatana Dharma in cinema to ensure cultural integrity and respect for religious traditions.