In brief
While air pollution looms as a dangerous reality in India, it remains largely absent from the mainstream cultural narrative. This article explores the disconnection between the severity of the pollution crisis and its representation in Indian films and literature, despite noteworthy works like "All That Breathes." Experts argue for creative storytelling that resonates emotionally and drives awareness to encourage action against environmental degradation.
In the 2016 Bollywood film "Pink," a striking scene features Amitabh Bachchan emerging from his home, shrouded in a mask against the backdrop of Delhi's toxic smog. Although pollution is highlighted in the film, it plays a marginal role in the narrative, showcasing how the dire air quality is seldom addressed in Indian cinema. While catastrophic events such as floods often inspire filmmakers, the pressing issue of air pollution—which annually hazards the lives of millions—continues to be overlooked in popular culture.Siddharth Singh, author of "The Great Smog of India," criticizes this oversight as a major failing in Indian literature and filmmaking. He emphasizes that scientific terminology surrounding air quality like PM2.5 or NOx fails to resonate with the average person. This sentiment is echoed by Amitav Ghosh, who notes in his writings about climate change that the absence of pollution narratives in contemporary fiction reflects a troubling normalization of these critical issues. Ghosh has expressed the unsettling reality of heatwaves and climate change as a form of “slow violence” that blends into everyday life, making it challenging for creators to engage effectively with such themes.Documentaries, however, have begun to tackle this topic more directly. "All That Breathes," which garnered an Oscar nomination in 2022, follows two brothers who care for black kites injured by Delhi's saturated atmosphere. Director Shaunak Sen aims to interlink broader themes like the Anthropocene with personal narratives, emphasizing that environmental degradation permeates every aspect of existence. His hope is to cultivate a deeper understanding of how pollution directly impacts human relationships through engaging storytelling.Filmmakers like Nila Madhab Panda also recognize the importance of relatable narratives in addressing climate change. Panda, who has created over 70 films focused on environmental themes since 2005, transitioned to mainstream projects to reach a wider audience with messages about pollution. One of his notable works, a short film about a couple contemplating divorce over their living conditions in Delhi, highlights how pollution can infiltrate personal relationships, making it a central concern rather than a backdrop.Furthermore, the difficulty in humanizing the pollution crisis is palpable among creators. Singh points out the challenge in representing the many lives affected by pollution—a statistic that can often seem abstract. While some regional literature has addressed environmental issues, there is still a gap in contemporary narratives, especially within English literature, where urban privilege isolates many creators from the daily struggles of affected communities.Social media, with its memes and visuals, has emerged as a tool for raising awareness about air pollution. A popular meme recently humorously depicted the poor visibility in Delhi due to pollution, emphasizing the need for creative engagement to promote meaningful dialogues about the crises people face. Such expressions may serve as the catalyst needed to inspire collective action from those who hold the power to instigate change.As India faces persistent environmental challenges, the lack of representation in mainstream culture underscores a critical gap. It is clear that without storytelling that resonates emotionally and authentically, awareness of air pollution's deep-seated effects will continue to struggle for visibility amidst a myriad of pressing issues.
