28, January 2026

Representation of Mental Health in Contemporary Cinema: An Analysis of Select Bollywood Films

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-1; JAN-2026

Author(s): 1. Farzana Nisar, 2. Dr. Aaliya Ahmed

Authors Affiliations:

 

1. Research Scholar, Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India

2. Professor, Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202601011     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202601011


Abstract
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  This paper seeks to examine the way in which contemporary Bollywood films depict mental health and psychological trauma, specifically how these films either reinforce or challenge the stigma associated with mental illness within a cultural context. By employing purposive sampling, the current study has been conducted on three films - Dear Zindagi, Tamasha, and Chhichhore. While the films examined challenge the dominant stereotypes regarding individuals suffering from psychological trauma with an increased level of empathy, they may at times, inadvertently reinforce stereotypes through commercial and cultural constraints. The study highlights Bollywood’s evolving role in mediating mental health discourse within Indian society.
Mental health, Psychological trauma, Stigma, Cultural taboos, Empathy, Bollywood

Farzana Nisar,  Dr. Aaliya Ahmed(2026); Representation of Mental Health in Contemporary Cinema: An Analysis of Select Bollywood Films, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  1,  Pp.69-71.        Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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