Bollywood's Role in Disaster Risk Reduction: A Study of Environmental Awareness in Hindi Films

Bollywood, as a powerful medium of mass communication, has a significant role in shaping public understanding and attitudes toward environmental challenges and disaster risk reduction (DRR). This research paper explores how Hindi cinema portrays environmental disasters and promotes awareness of climate change, sustainability, and disaster preparedness. By analyzing audience responses from a survey of 146 participants—comprising both rural and urban viewers, the research highlights how Bollywood films contribute to environmental education and behavioral change. The findings reveal that a majority of respondents are interested in social and environmental themes in films and believe that such portrayals enhance awareness, motivate further learning, and can influence public policies and social movements. While Bollywood is increasingly incorporating environmental narratives, the study suggests a need for deeper integration of DRR principles in cinematic storytelling. The paper concludes that Bollywood has the potential to be a catalyst for environmental consciousness and disaster resilience, particularly among youth audiences. However, sustained and intentional efforts from filmmakers, policymakers, and media educators are essential to maximize the medium's educational impact. This research contributes to the broader discourse on media’s role in environmental communication and provides recommendations for using popular culture as a tool for public engagement in disaster risk reduction.