Reflections of Social problems in Indian cinema: portrayal of dowry related issues in Bollywood case study of the Daawat-e-Ishq movie (۲۰۱۴)

Despite being prohibited by the Dowry Prohibition Act of ۱۹۶۱, the dowry system in India continues to be a deeply entrenched practice that significantly affects the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the society. This practice, which requires the bride's family to provide substantial gifts, cash, or property to the groom's family, has devolved into a mechanism of exploitation and financial burden, often leading to severe consequences such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, and dowry-related deaths. Addressing the dowry issue demands a comprehensive approach that includes stringent legal enforcement, widespread societal education, and the empowerment of women through economic independence and gender equality. This paper aims to investigate the portrayal of dowry-related issues in Bollywood, focusing on the movie Daawat-e-Ishq as a case study. Bollywood, being a major influence on public opinion and cultural norms, serves as a critical medium for examining how dowry practices are depicted and perceived. Through a detailed narrative analysis of Daawat-e-Ishq, this study explores how the film presents the complexities of dowry, the societal attitudes it reflects or challenges, and the potential impact of such portrayals on public perception and discourse. The paper seeks to demonstrate the role of cinema in either perpetuating or challenging the dowry system and to highlight its potential in promoting social change and advancing gender equality in India.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bollywood ، Daawat-e-Ishq ، dowry ، dowry portrayal ، narrative analysis ، gender equality