Volume V Special Issue IV October 2025

Name of Author : Prof (Dr) Gazala Gaiys

Title of the paper : Voices of Existence and Resistance: An Ecofeminist analysis of Bollywood films Mother India and Ram Teri Ganga Maille Hogyee

Abstract: Films provide a mirror to our society because they depict reality. People ideas, hopes, aspirations, perceptions, feelings, experiences etc. are well reflected through films. Films exert a profound influence on the mind and thought process of the people and they have a direct impact on societal reconstruction. Ecofeminism is a political, philosophical and social movement, and according to this movement, women and nature are exploited by the male dominant system. Thus, this critical theory claims that environmental problems and womens issues are interrelated. That is, as the patriarchal order continues to exploit nature, discrimination against women will also endure. Mother India 1957 is one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema, directed by Mehboob Khan. It is often described as a landmark in Bollywood history, both for its artistic quality and its strong social message. Ecofeminism links the exploitation of women with the exploitation of nature. Mother India strongly reflects Ecofeminism and portrays the struggles of Radha, a peasant woman, who symbolizes both Mother Earth and the nation itself. Ram Teri Ganga Maille Hogyee is also ecofeminist film which implicitly argues that protecting women and protecting nature are interconnected struggles. The corruption of the Ganga both the river and the woman reflects the erosion of values, dignity, and sustainability. Through its narrative, the film appeals to society to respect women and preserve nature, both of which are life giving forces. The objective of the paper is that literature and art can help to bring an awareness among people about degradation of nature as well as women. Though the prism of ecofeminism the paper may reflect the intricacies of film making and societal influence of films to understand the exploitation of nature and women. This paper takes up two Bollywood films Mother India and Ram Teri Ganga Maille Hogyee because these films have multiple layers of environmental artifacts deeply embedded within the cultural, sociological, historical and spiritual aspects of life.

Keywords : Ecology, Ecofeminism, Degradation, Environment, Film studies etc.

DOI :

Page Number : 60-64