When you think of Bhojpuri cinema, what comes to mind? Usually, it’s vulgar songs filled with sexual innuendos and objectification of women. But it was not always like this.
Recently, actor Pawan Singh faced criticism for inappropriately touching actress Anjali Raghav on stage during a public event. The video showed him repeatedly touching her waist, while she looked visibly uncomfortable.
This incident has once again brought attention to how Bhojpuri cinema is often viewed as the black sheep of Indian films. Such public behaviour only worsens this perception.
Why should we discuss this? Films deeply influence society, especially young people. When they are exposed to movies and songs loaded with toxic masculinity and objectification, they start seeing this behaviour as normal or even desirable.
However, Bhojpuri cinema once had a socially conscious side. It was a major industry making films on important issues like women’s empowerment (Balma Biharwala), corruption (Ganga Devi), and dowry (Sasura Bada Paisawala).
Even legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar have contributed to Bhojpuri films. But over time, with a limited audience, people moved towards Hindi cinema. To regain viewers, Bhojpuri films started relying on vulgar and suggestive content.
The biggest losers in this shift are the audience and society. These inappropriate songs and videos have become part of celebrations and festivals, influencing public culture negatively.
If strict measures are not taken soon, this toxic mindset will spread further, making vulgarity and objectification normal on screens and in public.
Let’s hope action comes before it’s too late.
