Hindu Nationalism, the BJP, Bollywood and Bombay Dons

The Hindutva has disrupted India’s secular fabric, impacting negatively on the trajectory of India’s international relations. While it casts a shadow on nation’s democratic values, it also exposes the ever-deepening social divides. The BJP Government in India, led by Narendra Modi, pushes mantra of saffronization, across India’s political landscape. Interestingly, it derives strength from the fortunes of Indian business magnets, galore of Bollywood galore and coercive powers of Bombay Dons. Bollywood movies- often glorify Hindu themes and amplify BJP’s ultra-nationalistic agenda. Billionaires like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani continue to bolster BJP’s political reach through their economic
heft and business ties. Bombay dons add another dimension to this equation by exerting coercive influence on BJP’s political opponents. In India’s socio-political arena, political power fuses with socio-cultural and economic influences.

In the evolving drama of Indian politics, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its “charismatic” leader, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have crafted a captivating storyline. Amidst Bollywood’s dazzling lights, billionaire fortunes, and a rising wave of nationalist fervor, a new narrative seems to unfold. This blend of glitter, money and influence of goons of underworld working for political motives subtly redefines India’s socio-political stage, suggesting a behind-the-scenes influence, which is both intriguing and transformative.

At the heart of this transformation lies the BJP’s vision of a “Hindu Rashtra”, a concept rooted in the ideology of “Hindutva”. This vision seeks to homogenize India’s diverse cultural and religious landscape into a singular Hindu identity. The BJP has masterfully employed the allure of Bollywood to propagate this narrative, embedding the idea of Hindu supremacy into the national psyche. The film industry, with its vast reach and emotional appeal, has become a powerful tool for political messaging. Blockbuster movies that glorify Hindu warriors and cast Muslims in villain like roles are not just entertainment but deliberate attempts to shape public opinion and bolster nationalist sentiments.

The influence of Bollywood extends beyond the silver screen into the realms of politics and society. Celebrities, who endorse the BJP’s narrative are rewarded more thanothers, while dissenters face severe
backlash, both from the public and within the industry. Such a trend is evident in movies with an extremist narrative like Border, Dil Se, New York, Kashmir Files, Lipstick Under my Burqa, Pathan, Tiger series and Fighter etc. This selective endorsement fosters a climate of conformity, where the
lines between cultural expression and political propaganda get readily blurred.

The recent spate of movies promoting a pro-Hindutva agenda exemplifies this trend, where cultural landscape is being transformed into a battleground for ideological dominance. In tandem to cultural front is BJP’s alliance with billionaire class that further cements its grip on power. Figures like Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata and Gautam Adani are not merely business magnates; they are pivotal players in India’s political arena.

Adani’s business empire has actually flourished under Modi’s rule, benefiting from policies that favor large conglomerates. This symbiotic relationship raises concerns about crony capitalism, where business interests dictate national policies, undermining the democratic process.

The Ambani wedding, a glittering spectacle of opulence, wasn’t just a union of two individuals but a signature event of political networking and diplomatic maneuvering. With attendees like the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, former UK Prime Minster Boris Johnson, the Kardashians, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and South Indian entertainment industry god Rajnikanth, among many notable players from the global glamour and political mix, the event showcased the Ambanis’ insatiable appetite for power and influence.

This wasn’t merely about celebrating a family milestone; it was a strategic display of soft power, aimed at fortifying business ties and political alliances. The presence of such highly revered international celebrities was less about personal relationships and more about showcasing India’s might under the BJP regime, with Ambani playing the role of the perfect host to further his business interests under the guise of national pride.

The guest list read like a who’s who of global political and economic elites, underscoring the Ambanis’ ambition to position themselves as indispensable power brokers in Modi’s India. This convergence of wealth and influence was a clear message: the “Ambanis are not just business magnates but kingmakers in the new Hindu Rashtra”. The wedding was a microcosm of the broader strategy of leveraging cultural diplomacy for economic gains, a testament to how the lines between statecraft and private enterprise have blurred. In a country grappling with deep socio-economic divides, the lavish affair highlighted the growing chasm between the rich and the poor, and how the corridors of power are increasingly becoming exclusive clubs for the wealthy and well-connected. Ratan Tata, another influential industrialist, aligns strategically with the BJP, providing a veneer of legitimacy and respectability. The Tata Group’s extensive investments and philanthropic efforts are frequently highlighted in the BJP’s narrative of a self-reliant and prosperous India. This alignment is not merely economic but deeply political, reinforcing the party’s image and expanding its influence.

The BJP’s reach extends globally through the Indian diaspora, where organizations like the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) actively promote Hindutva agenda. Indian diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States, United Kingdom and UAE, plays a crucial role in lobbying for India’s interests, while disseminating Hindutva ideology. Events celebrating Indian culture abroad often prioritize Hindu religious themes, marginalizing the country’s pluralistic traditions, while reinforcing a monolithic view of Indian identity.

This strategic propagation of Hindutva ideology has had significant repercussions, particularly in the form of rising Islamophobia. The BJP’s rhetoric frequently casts Muslims as the ‘other,’ fostering a climate of suspicion and hostility. Policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have further alienated the Muslim community, triggering widespread protests and drawing international criticism. The stereotypical depiction not only perpetuates harmful biases but also fuels the cycle of Islamophobia, leading to increased marginalization and discrimination against Muslim communities. The infamous ouster of Bangladeshi PM Hasina Wajid and consequent anti-India demonstration across Bangladesh, only depicted the existing uneasiness in region, caused due to Hindutva. By reinforcing such negative images, Bollywood also craftily aligns itself with the polarizing rhetoric of the BJP, contributing towards erosion of social cohesion and unity, in a multicultural society like India.

India’s secular fabric, once a cornerstone of its democratic identity, is now fraying under the weight of this ideological onslaught. India’s secular compass needs immediate resetting. The BJP’s relentless push for a Hindu Rashtra blurs the lines between religion and state, eroding the principles of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Religious symbols and practices are increasingly interwoven with state affairs, undermining the secular ethos that has long defined India.

The recent General Elections of 2024 underscored the fragility of Indian secular fabric. The BJP barely managed to retain power, with significant losses in key states, reflecting

growing public discontent with its divisive policies and economic mismanagement. Yet, despite this narrow victory, the party continues to stoke nationalist fervor, relying on cultural and religious narratives to maintain its grip on power.

Adding to the complexity of this political landscape is the nexus between Bollywood, politics, and the organized crime. The influence of Bombay Dons within the film industry and their connections to political figures form a shadowy undercurrent, facilitating the flow of money and influence. This clandestine network not only perpetuates corruption but also reinforces the power structures that support the BJP’s agenda. The media, complicit in this grand narrative, often glosses over these murky connections, focusing instead on the spectacle of celebrity and wealth, thus creating a sanitized version of reality.

The BJP’s policies have also strained India’s relationships with global allies. The rise of Hindu nationalism and the increase in communal violence have raised concerns among international observers. Countries that once viewed India as a stable and secular partner are now wary of its direction under Modi’s leadership. Bangladesh has been a recent politically-disastrous experience. Maldives has asked Indian to move out. Tensions with neighboring Pakistan have escalated, and India’s relationships with other South Asian nations have become more complicated. The focus on a Hindu nationalist agenda has alienated allies, who value secularism and inclusivity, potentially isolating India on the global stage.

In this interplay of politics, culture, and commerce, the BJP has adeptly leveraged the power of Bollywood and the influence of billionaires to craft a compelling narrative. This narrative, while dazzling and captivating, conceals the deeper issues of inequality, discrimination, and divisive politics that threaten to unravel the pluralistic ethos of the nation. The challenge for India lies in navigating this complex landscape, reclaiming its secular identity, and addressing the socio-economic disparities that underpin the glittering facade of its political and cultural renaissance. As India stands at this crossroads, the interplay of Bollywood glamour, billionaire influence, and political ambition will continue to shape Indian destiny. The real test will be whether the nation can see through the dazzling illusions and confront the underlying realities, forging a path that honors its rich diversity and upholds the democratic values that are its true strength.