Mad Tales from Bollywood

This book critically examines the portrayal of mental illness in Hindi cinema, revealing cultural influences and societal attitudes. Mad Tales from Bollywood is a vital resource for various readers.

The book Mad Tales from Bollywood offers a pioneering exploration of how mental illness is depicted in Hindi cinema. This insightful work examines the cultural attitudes towards mental health in India and how these perceptions are mirrored in films. By delving into the narratives and character portrayals within Hindi cinema, the author reveals the intricate relationship between culture and the representation of psychoses, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of mental health in media.

Dinesh Bhugra, the author, takes readers on a historical journey through Indian cinema, tracing its evolution from the idealistic portrayals of the 1950s to the more complex themes of jealousy, obsession, and psychopathy evident in the films of the 1990s. Through critical analysis of various films, Mad Tales from Bollywood highlights how societal views on mental illness have influenced cinematic storytelling, while also reflecting the broader cultural context in which these films were created.

This book is not only valuable for mental health professionals and students of media studies but also for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of Indian culture. Key topics covered include the emotional impact of cinema, socio-economic factors influencing film narratives, and the portrayal of villainy and psychoanalysis in classic Indian films. Mad Tales from Bollywood serves as a crucial resource for those seeking to understand the intersection of mental health and cinema in India.