POWER, INDEPENDENCE, AND CULTURAL CONFLICT: A SEMIOTIC STUDY OF SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI'S BAJIRAO MASTANI

Abstract

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Bajirao Mastani (2015) uses a historical narrative to convey a modern tale. This study delves into the depiction of Muslim rulers, particularly Mastani, in the Bollywood period drama Bajirao Mastani. Originating in the 1930s, Bollywood has grown into a massive film industry, primarily producing Hindi-language films with a worldwide audience. The industry offers a diverse range of genres, including romantic dramas, action thrillers, comedic musicals, and historical epics. Bollywood has indeed depicted medieval times; this paper focuses on Bajirao Mastani for an in-depth analysis of its narrative. The film centers on the Maratha Peshwa, Bajirao, and his relationship with his second wife, the daughter of Rajput King Chhatrasal and Ruhani Bai. This research underscores the importance of a more nuanced comprehension of India's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing portrayal in popular culture. It will investigate the representation of Muslims in these two films and, through comparative analysis, explore how current issues shape our depiction of historical events.