Kabir Khan talks about misrepresentation of Mughals in media
- IndiaGlitz, [Thursday,August 26 2021]
When it comes to the representation of Mughals in Indian television and cinema, it is common practice to show them as evil and cruel tyrants. There are a few exceptions to the case like 'Jodha Akbar'. Filmmaker Kabir Khan is quite bothered by this misrepresentation and recently voiced his opinion on the same.
In an conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Kabir said, I find it hugely problematic and disturbing, because what really makes me upset is that it's being done just to go with the popular narrative. I can understand when a filmmaker has researched something and a filmmaker wants to make a point... Of course, there can be different viewpoints. If you want to demonise the Mughals, please base it on some research and make us understand why; why they were the villains that you think they were. Because if you do some research and read history, it's very tough to understand why they have to be villainised. I think they were the original nation-builders, and to write them off and say they murdered people... But what are you basing it on? Please point out the historical evidence. Please have an open debate, just don't go with the narrative that you think will be popular.
Kabir further added, It's the easiest thing today, demonising the Mughals and various other Muslim rulers that India had at different points in its history. Trying to fit them into preconceived stereotypes, it is distressing. I cannot respect those films, unfortunately. That's my personal opinion, of course, I can't speak for larger audiences, but I definitely get upset by those kind of portrayals.