Under the bright lights of Bollywood, diversity often becomes a mere aesthetic rather than a reality. The industry, known for its grandeur and spectacle, has a long-standing habit of reducing marginalized communities to caricatures. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about authenticity.
Take Chum Darang, for instance. When she played a Chinese woman in 'Paatal Lok', it wasn’t because she found the role particularly groundbreaking—it was because authentic opportunities for Northeastern actors were scarce. Similarly, Lin Laishram, who played a minor role in 'Mary Kom', has openly spoken about how Bollywood often sidelines actors from the Northeast, choosing to cast mainstream actors in roles that should have rightfully gone to those with lived experience.
The issue isn’t just about Northeastern representation. Bollywood has repeatedly struggled with portraying different cultures, identities, and communities with respect. Instead of nuanced storytelling, it often falls back on tired stereotypes.
Sure, there have been glimmers of progress. Films like 'Axone' gave an unfiltered look into the struggles of Northeastern communities in Delhi. It wasn't just about culture—it was about identity, prejudice, and everyday battles against ignorance. But for every 'Axone', there are a dozen films where the Northeast is either erased or misrepresented.
The industry’s resistance to authentic casting stems from a deep-rooted issue—its obsession with marketability. Producers believe that only familiar Bollywood faces can draw audiences, leading to the infamous trend of "brownfacing" roles. Priyanka Chopra, as talented as she is, playing Mary Kom instead of an actual Northeastern actress was a glaring example of Bollywood’s lack of confidence in its own diversity. While Chopra did her best in the role, the decision reflected a systemic problem: the unwillingness to trust talent outside of the mainstream Bollywood circle.
So, what’s the solution?
For starters, Bollywood needs to go beyond tokenism. Casting a single Northeastern actor in a minor role does not count as representation. Neither does adding a side character from a marginalized community just to tick a diversity checkbox. True representation means giving these actors substantial roles—allowing them to play leads, not just background props.
Writers and filmmakers must also take responsibility. Telling stories about diverse communities requires research, sensitivity, and most importantly, lived experiences. Instead of relying on stereotypes, why not hire people from these communities to write, direct, and consult? The audience is evolving, and so should Bollywood.
At the end of the day, representation isn’t just about seeing different faces on screen—it’s about giving voice to stories that have long been ignored. True inclusivity isn’t a privilege, it’s a necessity. Bollywood has the power to shape perceptions, and it’s high time it did so responsibly.
