Focusing on popular Hindi cinema, this book explores its cultural impact and the often-misunderstood themes within the genre. It delves into the political and social significance of films, aiming to enhance understanding of their relevance and appeal to a large audience. Through this examination, it sheds light on the complexities and nuances of Hindi cinema, making it accessible to both fans and critics.
Ulka Anjaria, an Associate Professor of English at Brandeis University, explores the intricacies of the twentieth-century Indian novel, focusing on the interplay between colonial influences and literary structure. She also serves as the editor of a comprehensive work detailing the evolution of the Indian novel in English, showcasing her expertise and contributions to the field of literature.
Realism in twentieth-century Indian literature is explored as a significant avenue for experimentation and aesthetic innovation. The book delves into how writers harnessed realistic techniques to challenge traditional narratives and express complex social realities, reflecting the dynamic cultural landscape of India during this period. Through various literary examples, it highlights the transformative power of realism in shaping modern Indian literature.
In an age of social media and reality television, reading and consumption habits in India now demand homegrown pulp fictions. Ulka Anjaria categorizes post-2000 Indian literature and popular culture as constituting “the contemporary,” a movement defined by new and experimental forms—where high- and low-brow meet, and genres break down. Reading India Now studies the implications of this developing trend as both the right-wing resurges and marginalized voices find expression. Anjaria explores the fiction of Chetan Bhagat and Anuja Chauhan as well as Aamir Khan’s television talk show, Satyamev Jayate, plus the work of documentarian Paromita Vohra, to argue how different kinds of texts are involved in imagining new political futures for an India in transition. Contemporary literature and popular culture in India might seem artless and capitalistic, but it is precisely its openness to the world outside that allows these new works to offer significant insight into the experiences and sensibilities of contemporary India.