The debate surrounding producer Ekta Kapoor's recent remarks on alleged Hinduphobia within the Bollywood film industry has drawn strong reactions from Hindu seers and religious leaders across the country. Prominent saints from major religious hubs including Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Varanasi have thrown their weight behind her stance, accusing the Hindi film industry of frequently depicting Sanatan Dharma, temples, and religious symbols in a negative or distorted manner. Several religious figures have also called for government intervention to address the issue.
Support From Ayodhya's Senior Seers
Mahant Dr. Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj of Hanumangarhi backed Ekta Kapoor's statements, describing the situation as unfortunate for the nation. He pointed out that despite India having a massive population of Sanatan Dharma followers and viewers belonging to the same tradition, Hindi films often portray Hindu deities negatively while presenting opposing ideologies in a favorable light. Citing specific cinematic tropes, he noted how characters are frequently shown recovering after visiting shrines, whereas criminal acts like theft are often associated with temples. He praised Ekta Kapoor for showing the courage to speak out on the matter and affirmed that the saint community stands with her.
Mahant Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj of Ayodhya echoed similar sentiments, stating that while other faiths are often portrayed with immense aesthetic beauty in films, Sanatan Dharma is predominantly subjected to negative portrayals. He added that such a cinematic environment creates a sense of hesitation among regular people to openly apply a tilak or speak about their religious identity. He asserted that deliberate attempts are being made through cinema to undermine Sanatan Dharma and called on the government to take strict action against such instances. Acharya Vitthal Ji Maharaj of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi added that cinema acts as a mirror to society, yet many films purposefully assign names associated with Hindu traditions to villains to build a negative stereotype, which must be resisted.
Reactions From Ujjain and Varanasi
Mahamandaleshwar Shaileshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhada in Ujjain supported the discussion on Hinduphobia in the film industry, emphasizing that Sanatan Dharma is frequently misunderstood globally. He noted that Sanatan culture is not merely confined to standard religious rituals but represents a comprehensive spiritual philosophy that perceives divinity in every particle of the universe. In Varanasi, Jagatguru Shri Balak Devacharya Ji Maharaj also supported the producer, alleging that Bollywood has consistently sidelined accurate depictions of Hindu traditions. He noted that during the leadership terms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, religious representation in cinema has begun to see a more positive shift compared to earlier times. Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj joined them in solidarity, stating that while certain religious practices receive reverent screen time, Hindu symbols, tilaks, and traditional attire are frequently mocked or undermined by elements within the film industry.
The Origin of the Discussion
The controversy emerged following Ekta Kapoor's appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast, where she addressed what she perceived as bias within the entertainment sector. She questioned why the industry readily embraces foreign fantasy and animated storytelling while remaining hesitant to adopt indigenous Indian folklore and mythological narratives. During the conversation, she also opened up about personal experiences where people labeled her a tantric simply for upholding her faith. She expressed dismay over why wearing a sacred thread on the wrist or applying a tilak on the forehead leads to social labeling, wondering why expressing one's religious beliefs openly becomes a matter of discomfort for others.
