Problematic Portrayals of Consent in Bollywood Songs: A Gendered Analysis

Bollywood—India’s most prominent film industry—has an undeniable influence on shaping societal norms and cultural practices. Over the years, its storytelling has often reflected and reinforced prevailing gender dynamics. However, certain portrayals, particularly of romantic relationships, carry deeply problematic undertones, especially when it comes to consent. This article examines two Bollywood songs, Apun Bola from Josh (2000) and O Jaana from Tere Naam (2003), to analyze how they normalize coercion, trivialize consent, and reinforce patriarchal stereotypes.

Understanding Gender and Media

Judith Lorber’s concept of the social construction of gender provides a framework for understanding how media reproduces and amplifies societal norms. Gender is not inherently tied to biology but is a product of cultural and social practices. Bollywood, as a cultural powerhouse, plays a significant role in reinforcing these constructs. Songs and films frequently portray women as passive recipients of male desire, while men are depicted as dominant pursuers, a dynamic that fosters unequal relationships.

Feminist media theory critiques such portrayals, emphasizing how they perpetuate traditional gender roles. Women are often cast as objects of male affection, valued primarily for their beauty and compliance, while men are celebrated for persistence and aggression. These patterns not only undermine women’s autonomy but also normalize behaviors that can lead to real-world consequences, such as the dismissal of verbal rejection or the romanticization of coercion.

A Closer Look at the Songs

Apun Bola (Josh, 2000)

The song Apun Bola includes lyrics like:

"Apun Bola Tu Meri Laila, Woh Boli Fekta Hai Saala. Yeh Uska Style Hoinga, Hoton Pein Naa Dil Mein Haan Hoinga" (I said you’re my Laila, she said you’re bluffing, silly. That’s her style: saying no on her lips but meaning yes in her heart).

These lines reflect several troubling themes:

1. Trivialization of Consent: The lyrics suggest that a woman’s “no” is not genuine and can be interpreted as a playful refusal. This narrative trivializes verbal rejection and undermines the concept of clear, affirmative consent.

2. Male Entitlement: The male protagonist assumes he knows the woman’s feelings better than she does, reinforcing a sense of entitlement to interpret and override her verbal cues.

3. Romanticization of Persistence: The repeated theme of pursuing a woman despite her objections frames such persistence as an act of love, ignoring boundaries and autonomy.

O Jaana (Tere Naam, 2003)

The song O Jaana includes the lyrics:

"Na ka matlab to haan hota hai, ishq mein naa kaa matlab to haan hota hai" (In love, no means yes; understand this).

This song reinforces similarly problematic messages:

1. Normalization of Coercion: The explicit assertion that “no” means “yes” undermines a woman’s autonomy and promotes coercion as a legitimate aspect of romance.

2. Romanticization of Persistence: The male protagonist’s relentless pursuit, despite rejection, is glorified as a romantic ideal. Such narratives validate intrusive behaviors as acceptable.

3. Gender Stereotypes: The lyrics perpetuate the trope that women do not communicate their desires directly and instead “play hard to get.” This stereotype undermines women’s agency and reinforces harmful myths about consent.

Thematic Analysis of Gendered Portrayals

Both songs exemplify recurring themes in Bollywood’s portrayal of gender and consent:

1. Trivialization of Consent: Women’s verbal refusals are consistently dismissed or reinterpreted as insincere. This reinforces the notion that rejection is not to be respected.

2. Normalization of Coercion: By framing persistence and the dismissal of boundaries as acts of love, these songs blur the line between romance and harassment.

3. Reinforcement of Patriarchal Norms: Women are often depicted as passive participants, while men are shown as decision-makers, perpetuating unequal power dynamics.

Broader Implications

According to George Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory, repeated exposure to media content shapes societal perceptions and behaviors. Bollywood songs, with their far-reaching influence, play a critical role in normalizing problematic ideas about consent and relationships. When audiences internalize these narratives, they may begin to view coercion and persistence as acceptable or even romantic.

Such portrayals contribute to real-world consequences, including the perpetuation of toxic relationship dynamics and the erosion of women’s autonomy. The emphasis on male persistence reinforces patriarchal values, where men are positioned as pursuers and decision-makers, while women are expected to acquiesce.

The Call for Change

The entertainment industry has a responsibility to challenge these outdated narratives and promote healthier portrayals of relationships. This includes:

1. Creating Conscious Narratives: Filmmakers and lyricists must prioritize stories that celebrate mutual respect and clear communication. Romantic relationships should be based on equality rather than dominance.

2. Representing Women with Agency: Female characters should be portrayed as active participants with autonomy and the ability to set boundaries.

3. Challenging Harmful Tropes: Persistent pursuit and the dismissal of rejection should no longer be framed as romantic ideals. Instead, narratives should highlight the importance of respecting boundaries.

4. Promoting Audience Awareness: Educating viewers about the importance of consent through storytelling can help shift societal attitudes and foster healthier relationships.

Conclusion

The lyrics of Apun Bola and O Jaana reflect deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes that trivialize consent and undermine women’s agency. While these songs may have been created with playful or romantic intentions, their long-term impact on societal perceptions is concerning. By critiquing these narratives and advocating for change, we can encourage Bollywood to embrace more progressive and inclusive portrayals of relationships.

Future research should focus on understanding audience reception and analyzing the broader impact of such portrayals on societal attitudes. Expanding the scope to include other films and songs that perpetuate similar narratives can provide a more comprehensive understanding of Bollywood’s influence on gender dynamics. Together, these efforts can pave the way for a more inclusive and respectful representation of relationships in Indian cinema.