Existentialism in Bollywood (Indian Cinema).pptx

In this presentation, I have explored the themes of existentialism present in Indian cinema. I have taken the example of movies such as, Pyasa, Anand and Ek Din Achanak.

1. Beyond Masala: Existentialism in Indian Cinema

2. Academic Information Semester - 2 Roll no - 4 Paper no - 110 Paper - History of English Literature - From 1900 to 2000 Submitted to - Smt. S. B. Gardi, Department of English Email id - [email protected]

3. Introduction to Existentialism Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in Europe. It focuses on the individual’s experience of existence The idea that Existence Precedes Essence is prominent Emphasis on individual Freedom and Responsibility Acknowledgement of the inherent anxiety that comes with freedom (Tillich)

4. Question - By examining the portrayal of existential themes in selected Bollywood films, can we identify recurring motifs and narrative techniques that contribute to a nuanced understanding of existentialism within Indian cinema?

5. Pyaasa (1957) “Pyaasa” follows the story of Vijay, a struggling poet who faces rejection from society and his loved ones. Despite his talent, Vijay is dismissed by the literary establishment. He finds solace in his poetry and the company of a compassionate prostitute named Gulabo. Along his journey, Vijay encounters a wealthy publisher who exploits his work. Eventually, Vijay’s poetry gains recognition after his presumed death, leading to a bittersweet resolution that questions the values of a materialistic society. Directed by Guru Dutt Written by Abrar Alvi Screenplay and Story by Guru Dutt Setting - Calcutta (Dutt)

6. Existentialism in ‘Pyaasa’ Vijay is shown as a poet who is rejected by everyone. His poetry is not accepted and is even sold to a scrap dealer, highlighting his rootlessness and lack of recognition. Songs like "Ye mahal-e, ye takhte, rawazon ki duniya" and "Jaane wo kaise log the jinke pyar ko pyar mila" expresses the hollow and ugly world that the poet is forced to inhabit. Vijay's alcoholism is portrayed as a result of the impotent world around him, highlighting his existential crisis and search for a reason to live. In the end, Vijay chooses to abandon this society and live elsewhere. The film's ending, where Vijay is rendered "dead" by the selfish people who had profited from his poetry, further reinforces the existential themes of the futility of life within a materialistic society. (Sinha)

7. Anand (1971) “Anand” follows the story of Anand, a terminally ill patient who brings joy and inspiration to those around him with his positive outlook on life. The film explores Anand’s relationships with his doctor, Dr. Bhaskar, and a journalist named Renu, as well as his impact on their lives. Despite his illness, Anand approaches each day with enthusiasm and humor, leaving a lasting legacy of love and hope. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee Written by Bimal Dutta, Gulzar, D.N.Mukherjee and Biren Tripathy (Mukherjee)

8. Existentialism in ‘ Anand ’ Dr. Bhaskar’s pessimistic views Anand's philosophy on life and death where death is seen as a natural part of life rather than something to be feared. He believes one should live "big" rather than just trying to live long. M irrors the idea of Tarrou in ‘The Plague’ by Albert Camus. Anand‘s actions and worldview end up having a transformative effect on the other characters, especially the doctor Bhaskar. Parallels can be seen between Anand's quest to find his long-lost friend "Murari Lal" and the existentialist idea of forging meaningful relationships and connections in the face of the absurdity of life. Anand's death is portrayed as inevitable but not tragic, as he is able to impart valuable lessons about living life to the fullest and focusing on bringing joy to others rather than dwelling on one's own suffering. (Tripathi)

9. Ek Din Achanak (1989) One evening, Shashank Ray, a professor goes out for a walk and fails to return. As the evening stretches into days and the days into weeks with no sign of him, his family struggles to regain their footing and to understand what might have caused him to leave. Slowly they return to their daily activities. Behind the facade of normalcy, though, the family is deeply wounded. Their hesitant attempts to piece together the professor's state of mind before his disappearance raise more questions than they answers. Directed by Mrinal Sen Written by Ramapada Chowdhury Screenplay by Mrinal Sen (Sen)

10. Existentialism in ‘ Ek Din Achanak ’ Through the character of the history professor existential ideas are portrayed. The professor's unexplained disappearance and the family's futile attempts to find meaning in it represent the absurdity of the human condition. His note saying "Kuch dino se… accha nahi lagta, kuch bhi accha nahi lagta… " indicates feelings of anxiety. The comparison of human life to a clock with no hour-hand. The film does not provide clear explanations or reasons for the professor's actions, mirroring the existentialist view of the universe as fundamentally irrational. Realisation that life can only be lived once is bothering the professor. Interpreted reason for disappearance is existential crisis and realisation of one’s normality. (Jadeja)

11. Disillusionment and alienation Search for meaning and purpose in life Human mortality and fleeting nature of life Common Motifs Narrative Techniques Use of symbolism and metaphors Dialogues and monologues to convey the existential themes Introspective narration

12. Conclusion Through these timeless classics we witness the exploration of existential ideas such as disillusionment, disillusionment, alienation, the search for meaning, and the tension between conformity and authenticity. Through these thought provoking movies we can witness the depth of Indian cinema in exploring philosophical ideas and existential dilemmas. These films not only entertain but also provoke introspection, challenging viewers to confront their own existential questions and consider the choices that shape their lives .

13. References - Dutt, Guru, director. Pyaasa. Guru Dutt Pvt. Ltd., 1957. Jadeja, Poojaba. “Existentialism and Hindi films.” Ars Artium: An International Peer Reviewed-cum-Refereed Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 6, 2018. https://www.academia.edu/67666316/Existentialism_and_Hindi_Films . Accessed 10 April 2024. Mukherjee, Hrishikesh, director. Anand. Shemaroo Entertainment, 1971. Sen, Mrinal, director. Ek Din Achanak. Percept Picture Company, 1989. Sinha, Prerana. “Guru Dutt, an auteur or an existentialist: A Critical Evaluation of his Art.” HANS SHODH SUDHA, vol. 2, no. 2, 2021, pp. 29-39, https://www.hansshodhsudha.com/volume2-issue2/October_December%202021_%20article%203.pdf . Accessed 10 April 2024.

14. References - Tillich, Paul. “Existential Philosophy.” Journal of the History of Ideas, vol. 5, no. 1, 1944, pp. 44–70. JSTOR, https ://doi.org/10.2307/2707101 . Accessed 9 Apr. 2024. Tripathi, Divy. “50 Yrs of Anand: Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Timeless Movie About Life & Loss.” The Quint, 16 December 2021, https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/indian-cinema/hrishikesh-mukherjee-film-anand-1971-rajesh-khanna-amitabh-bachchan-tarrou-the-plague-philosophy-camus#read-more . Accessed 10 April 2024.

15. “Babumoshai, Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi.” -Anand Thank You!