Representation and Social Construction of HIV and AIDS in the Mainstream Hindi Cinema in India: A Study on the Discourses of Normative Sexual Health*

In a country like India, films play an important role in constructing and shaping the public sphere on various social issues such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). However, not many films have dealt with this pertinent issue. Only few films have brought in this social reality within their discourse and have attempted to pass on the messages on normative sexual health practices, social ostracisation of HIV/AIDS affected persons and address the issues of transmission of HIV. Eventually, these films also tend take a high moral seat when the messages emanate about shattering of family bondages in the elite classes. Though, they never touch upon the impact of HIV and AIDS and social outcasts in the rural population. Thus, the films end up as ‘sermons’ for the urban as well as rural population, who according to it are to be ‘morally taught’ about. This paper critically examines the representation and social construction of HIV/AIDS in three Hindi mainstream films, looking at the aspect of how the HIV/AIDS subject is constructed amongst the urban populations; how the various stigmas, misconceptions and acceptance levels are addressed through the narratives; and the manner in which the politics of normative sexual health is challenged through the cinematic medium.