Fourth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

This study explores how, in this contemporary period, mainstream Hindi Cinema has witnessed a decline in the subjects based on socio-economic themes. Socio-economic development in Indian Hindi contemporary “Bollywood” films (2007-2014) based on the theme of socio-economic development (primarily on the ‘Millennium Development Goals’ viz. A viz. Hunger & Poverty, Education, Gender equality & Women empowerment, Health and Environment Sustainability) by taking into consideration the decling number and the reason pertaining to it. The co-relation between development and cinema is almost inserapable since Learner (1958) identified development with modernization and social change by mentioning four indices. These were industralisation; literacy; media exposure; and political participation. Learner explains the relaton by stating that people have to be mobile, empathic, and participatory for development. When people are mobile they are ready to look for something new. Participation both political and social leads to development. Participation has to be at several layers of society. Thus, new media exposure is necessary to make people participative and change their traditional beliefs and attitudes. Modern society is a participant society and it works by consensus. In India the problem arises at the level of participation which is supposed to be mulyi-layered. There are many stratas of the society which are not involved and are thus marginalised. Media exposure is unable to reach disadvantaged groups and thus a divide is evident despite media’s (cinema’s) vibrant role in India.