The Absence of Air Pollution Narratives in Indian Cinema

In the Bollywood film Pink (2016), Amitabh Bachchan's character notably wears a mask as he walks through Delhi’s smog-laden streets. This focus on pollution, however, is all too rare in Indian cinema, which has largely overlooked the critical issue of air quality that affects millions annually. The deadly smog and toxic air pollution in northern India grab headlines and ignite political debates, yet they often lack representation in the realm of literature and filmmaking, unlike dramatic disasters such as floods.Siddharth Singh, author of The Great Smog of India, critiques this absence, calling it a "big failure" that air pollution isn't a dominant narrative in Indian pop culture. He points out that much of the discourse remains confined to academic circles, with terms like PM2.5 or NOx failing to resonate with everyday people. Similarly, Amitav Ghosh, a prominent writer on climate change, notes a disturbing sense of normalcy regarding environmental degradation, highlighting this in his 2022 interviews.Documentaries like Shaunak Sen’s Oscar-nominated All That Breathes have taken the initiative to tell stories about the pollution crisis in India, depicting how climate change intertwines with human experiences. The film revolves around two brothers caring for injured black kites, emphasizing how environmental issues permeate daily life. Sen believes that the medium of cinema can subtly introduce critical conversations about pollution while engaging audiences in relatable narratives.Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda, whose works encompass over 70 films focusing on environmental themes, underscores the need for relatable storytelling. His film Megha's Divorce portrays a couple grappling with the decision to continue living in polluted Delhi. Panda notes the challenges of humanizing these stories while maintaining audience interest—"you can't just make anything which is not entertaining,” he points out.Despite regional literature addressing environmental themes historically, contemporary English works are striving to illuminate these issues too. There remains a visible gap, as Singh mentions, noting that creators often lack direct engagement with pollution's impacts, leaving a disconnect between those producing art and those who live with the consequences. Creative platforms like social media have recently emerged as potent tools for spreading awareness about air quality. Memes and visuals illustrate the severe conditions that many endure, and Singh expresses hope that these mediums might inspire actionable change in the future.As Indian culture continues to evolve, there is a pressing need for narratives that incorporate environmental realities, forging deeper connections between the audience and their lived environment.