Bollywood, TV and Religion

Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma is not just a religion but is a “Way of Life”. It teaches us many aspects of living good life and nurturing environmental aspects as well. However many Hindi and regional feature films, TV serials and OTT platforms either make fun of rich traditions and culture or interpret incorrectly to appease other religious followers or to raise the TRP and commercial value.
Bollywood, OTT platform and TV definitely have huge impact on all of us. One has to be sensible while showing anything related to any religion. Hindu gods, saints, followers and culture is either shown in bad light or made a fun out of it in many movies or in serials. What makes them so irresponsible? Is it the foreign funding and money poured by Don Mafias? Government needs strict vigilance and action on such funding.
Manipulating facts from different Hindu holy books or scriptures to create confusion and negativity among youths is a new fashion on OTT platform and TV serials. We need to respect every religion and if we are really serious about improving the social status of different religious followers then we should systematically investigate, highlight in right manner the various flaws every religion inherits. Nothing is perfect in this world, so does different religions. However, targeting only one religion has definitely biased agenda and propaganda.
The trend also shows that some moviemakers have tried to show Don Mafias as saviors of society to create good (Robin Hood) image in society and villains are shown with big “Tilak” on their forehead. Gods, Pundits, Religious and Spiritual leaders are mocked. Is this the right intention and how will it benefit to uplift the society? Seriously, one needs to have belongingness towards society and be responsible while filming such scenes, which are adversely affecting the mentality of our youths.
Hindu scriptures or holy books have abundance of knowledge for every problem in the universe. It also guides us about maintaining the environment. Some makers in the past and even in present highlighting it however, the quantum is still low. Filmmakers should utilize this great knowledge to bring positive change in our society and empower youths with deep knowledge. So with the other religions, highlight positive aspects.
Youths need encouragement to prosper materially and spiritually in this competitive and technologically driven world. This can be achieved with great deal if filmmakers, serial makers research and develop on these lines. This will surely transform our youths and society largely and positively.
What Government should do?
Many TV serials and OTT platform movies are based on “Mahabharata”, “Ramayana” or different stories from holy books. However many of them twist the facts to suit their agenda and to raise the TRP.
I really appreciate Late Ramanand Sagarji who made world famous and most viewed serial on “Ramayana”, he used to come up with his finding about particular controversial part/topic and used to clarify which shloka or scripture he referred while making that particular episode. Government should make it mandatory to clearly give references, highlight which particular part of scripture has been shadowed while making episode.
Anything, which demeans any religion, should not be allowed to telecast and strictly banned. It has to be made mandatory that any film or serial made on any religion has to go through review committee appointed by central and state governments, if it is found appropriate which will aid to bring positive outcome in society then only it needs to be approved. Anything, which makes fun of Gods, religious and spiritual leaders, traditions and customs, should be banned. Any tradition or custom, which is not in right perspective for society and country, has to be highlighted on screen regardless of any religion with appropriate manner, without hurting sentiments of any community.
Mechanism to check funding and what measures are needed to stop funding from sources that have unscrupulous intentions towards our society and country. Central government has already taken stringent actions however, loopholes needs to be plugged.
Government should give out some sort of incentive like reduction in tax to films and serial makers who are focusing on to make films on real history of India, authentic facts from holy books and scriptures.
As a responsible citizen, we should not promote or see any movie or serial that portrays religion or any caste in bad light, creates unrest in society, makes fun of one religion to make other religious followers happy, and disrespects our army, freedom fighters, and saints.