Title: AN ANALYSIS OF TRIBAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION AND CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY IN HINDI CINEMA Download

Authors:-Mohit Yogi/Dr. Neeraj Karan Singh
Page No. :-14-23 View & Download
Date of Publication (ONLINE) :-05-07-2026
DOI ; 10.71037/sanvahak.v2i3.02

How to cite this article:
Yogi Mohit/Singh Dr. Neeraj Karan,”AN ANALYSIS OF TRIBAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION AND CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY IN HINDI CINEMA”, Sanvahak, Vol-2;Issue-3, July-Sept., 2026, Page No. :-14-23. URL : https://sanvahak.gyanvividha.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mohit-Yogi-Dr.-Neeraj-Karan-Singh-Sanvahak-Vol-2-Issue-3-July-Sept.-2026-pp-14-23.pdf

Abstract : The film industry is one of the most effective cultural vehicles for meaning creation in India, while Hindi cinema, due to its national outreach, is positioned in a very influential way with regards to the way people view each other. Tribal (Adivasi) communities, that make up around 8-9 percent of the Indian population and have great linguistic, religious and social diversity, have tradi-tionally been presented onscreen by a narrow selection of stereotypes – from the exotic “tribal number” dancer, to a primitive dweller of the forest, to noble savages or an adversary blocking the “development” of the country by the state. This paper presents a literature-based qualitative investigation into two connected issues: first, the way in which tribal communities view their represent-tation in Hindi cinema, and secondly, to what extent does this representation reflect real-life culture and society. By applying media representation theory, cultivation theory and postcolonial views on the cinematic “Other”, the paper will review relevant secondary literature, media articles and content analysis research conducted between 2016 and 2026. In conclusion, the findings suggest the continuing disparity between the visual representations on the one hand and the realities of the tribal life on the other; and finally, the gradual shift towards collaboration and ethnographic storytelling. The paper concludes with a set of suggestions to filmmakers, media scholars, and policy makers.

Key Words: Tribal Representation, Adivasi, Hindi Cinema, Bollywood, Cultural Authenticity, Media Perception, Stereotyping, Post-Colonial Media Studies.

Publication Details:

Journal : Sanvahak (संवाहक)

ISSN : 3108-1347 (Online)

Published In : Volume-2 | Issue-3, July-Sept., 2026

Page Number(s) : 14-23

Publisher Name :

 Mrs Anubha Chaudhary | https://sanvahak.gyanvividha.com | E-ISSN : 3108-1347