BCVA was delighted to be invited to contribute to the project “Mother India Through a Creative Lens,” developed by Indy Hunjan, founder of the organisation Kalaphool. The invitation provided an opportunity to respond creatively to one of the most influential films in the history of Indian cinema.
Directed by Mehboob Khan, the landmark Bollywood film Mother India was first released in 1957, shortly after Indian independence. The three-hour epic, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, has become an iconic work celebrated for its cinematography, music and powerful narrative. The story centres on the character Radha, portrayed by actress Nargis, whose strength, sacrifice and resilience have often been interpreted as symbolic of the post-colonial identity of India itself.
Responding to this theme, BCVA Chair Anand Chhabra explored ideas emerging from the Apna Heritage Archive, particularly the lived experiences of Punjabi women who migrated to the UK during the post-war period. Through the archive’s research and oral histories, Anand reflected on the complexities of identity, resilience and marginalisation experienced by many migrant women.
The creative response also considered the cultural expectations placed on women within South Asian communities. In particular, it explored the contrast between the idealised notion of the “goddess” figure in Indian cultural narratives and the everyday realities faced by women navigating migration, labour and family life in a new country.
Drawing on photographs, archival research and personal stories from the Punjabi archive, the project offers a contemporary reflection on these themes, connecting the legacy of Mother India with the experiences of women whose stories are often absent from historical and cultural narratives.
BCVA would like to thank Indy Hunjan and Kalaphool for the opportunity to contribute to this thoughtful and inspiring project. You can find out more about Kalaphool’s work and the wider project here:- http://kalaphool.com
Indy Hunjan welcomes artists and viewers online as they present there work The event was held at the very plush HIVE lecture theatre at Birmingham Central University in April 2022.