Gender Representation in Hamsalekha's Lyrics: A Feminist Analysis of Women's Portrayal in Kannada Film Songs

Abstract This research study delves into the nuanced world of gender representation in the lyrical compositions of the renowned Kannada music composer and lyricist, Hamsalekha, with a specific focus on the portrayal of women in Kannada film songs. The study employs a feminist lens to analyze how Hamsalekha's lyrics depict the multifaceted aspects of women, their roles, and the societal constructs that influence their representation. Drawing from feminist theories and critical discourse analysis, this research examines a corpus of Kannada film songs spanning various decades, providing insights into the evolving nature of gender representation in Hamsalekha's work. It aims to uncover the ways in which his lyrics reflect and contribute to prevailing gender norms, stereotypes, and power dynamics within the Kannada film industry and society at large. The analysis takes into account the lyrics' themes, language, and the broader context in which they were composed. It also explores the agency and autonomy of female characters in the songs, shedding light on the dichotomy between traditional and progressive portrayals of women. Moreover, the study investigates how Hamsalekha's work might have contributed to challenging or perpetuating existing gender biases and stereotypes. By examining the lyrical content in conjunction with the socio-cultural and historical context of the Kannada film industry, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding gender representation in Hamsalekha's work. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on gender representation in media and art, shedding light on the role of music in reflecting and shaping cultural norms, and encouraging a critical examination of how art can either challenge or reinforce gender inequalities.