The Anglo Indian community in India has played a significant and diverse role in shaping India’s social, cultural, and artistic landscape. The people belonging to this community have a distinctive blend of British and Indian heritage, and have contributed meaningfully across various sectors of society including education, governance, arts and entertainment. Their lifestyle, most often marked by western sensibilities, fluent English communication, and vibrant cultural expressions, has left a lasting imprint on popular Indian culture. One of the most visible reflections of this influence can be seen in the Indian film industry. Bollywood and regional cinemas have frequently drawn inspiration from Anglo Indian traditions, portraying their unique identity through characters, settings, language, and music. Whether through depictions of colonial era narratives, urban subcultures, or cosmopolitan milieus, the Anglo Indian ethos has often served as a creative lens for filmmakers exploring themes of hybridity, modernity, and cultural transition. However, the portrayal often has been a typical stereotype. This research paper aims to critically examine how the Anglo Indians have been represented in Indian cinema over the decades. It seeks to analyse the accuracy, depth, and evolution of these portrayals, exploring whether they reinforce typecasts or offer refined insights into the community’s experiences. By doing so, the study hopes to shed light on the broader dynamics of identity, representation, and cultural assimilation within the cinematic imagination of India.
SANOBAR HAIDER (Wed,) studied this question.