Despite the life-threatening air pollution affecting many parts of India, it remains largely absent from mainstream cultural narratives, with only sparse representation in films and literature. Experts discuss the disconnect between academia and popular culture, the responsibility of filmmakers, and the role of social media in augmenting awareness about the pollution crisis.**
Reportage: Air Pollution in India Lacks Cultural Representation Despite Growing Crisis**
Reportage: Air Pollution in India Lacks Cultural Representation Despite Growing Crisis**
A look at the cultural narrative surrounding air pollution in India and the rare instances when it finds representation in literature and cinema.**
The air quality crisis in India, particularly in cities like Delhi, poses a significant public health threat, yet it seldom permeates mainstream arts and culture. While pollution has inspired cinematic retellings of other environmental disasters—such as floods—the grave issue of air pollution remains underrepresented in public discourse. One prominent example is the 2016 film "Pink," where actor Amitabh Bachchan appears in scenes wearing a mask to navigate Delhi’s smoggy streets. Although it highlights the dangerous air quality, the pollution itself is merely a backdrop, reflecting a broader trend in Indian filmmaking.
Siddharth Singh, the author of "The Great Smog of India," critiques this absence, stating it is indicative of a greater failure to engage with pollution as a narrative in both literature and film. He argues that most references to air quality are relegated to academia, where terminology like PM2.5 or SO2 holds little meaning for the average citizen. Author Amitav Ghosh similarly notes this disconnection from reality, emphasizing that many seem alarmingly indifferent to climate change amidst its obvious consequences.
Documentaries, in contrast, tackle pollution more directly. One such film, "All That Breathes," nominated for an Oscar, dives into the impact of climate change and pollution through storytelling that highlights the struggles of two brothers caring for injured black kites in Delhi. Shaunak Sen, the film's director, articulates the challenge of illustrating how climate change permeates everyday life yet urges creators to effectively represent these issues without alienating audiences.
Film director Nila Madhab Panda expresses hope for cinematic narratives to resonate on climate issues while entertaining audiences. His own experience moving from an ecologically rich region to a polluted metropolis informs his storytelling, wherein films reflect the imbalance caused by urbanization. His courtroom drama exploring a couple’s separation amid pollution reflects personal stakes tied to environmental crises.
Despite contemporary literature highlighting ecological issues—such as Nilanjana S Roy’s crime novel "Black River" and feedback from other English authors—the gap persists. Singh argues that creators, often living insulated lives, miss the human stories behind alarming statistics about pollution-related fatalities. Today, however, memes and social media serve as potent channels for raising awareness, encapsulating the crisis with humor and poignant visuals that reflect the dire situation.
In conclusion, while air pollution remains an urgent issue affecting millions, its representation in mainstream culture lags behind other environmental concerns. Experts call for a renewed focus on the stories behind the statistics and the importance of engaging art forms to foster greater public awareness and action.
