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emzee_strygrph's review
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Unmasking Hindutva Ideology in Popular Culture
Kunal Purohit's "H-Pop: The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars" lifts the veil on a growing phenomenon: the infiltration of Hindutva ideology into Indian popular culture. The book sheds light on H-Pop, a genre encompassing music, poetry, social media content, and more, all working to promote a form of Hindu nationalism.
Purohit dissects H-Pop through various artistic mediums. He analyzes music, exploring how lyrics, music videos, and performances endorse Hindutva narratives. The book delves into the works of folk-fusion singers, rap artists, and even electronic music producers who create anthems for Hindutva movements.
The reach of H-Pop extends beyond catchy tunes. Purohit examines how poems, online content, and even self-published books create a popular culture sphere that reinforces Hindutva ideology. The book explores the works of poets who glorify Hindu kings and historical revisionists who rewrite history through fiction. Social media influencers who spread misinformation and hate speech are also part of this analysis.
"H-Pop" doesn't just describe the phenomenon; it explores the reasons behind it. Purohit investigates the motivations of both creators and consumers of H-Pop. He examines how social identity, political views, and the need for belonging fuel the rise of H-Pop. The book also delves into the potential consequences of H-Pop, including religious polarization, social unrest, and even hate crimes.
Kunal Purohit's "H-Pop: The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars" lifts the veil on a growing phenomenon: the infiltration of Hindutva ideology into Indian popular culture. The book sheds light on H-Pop, a genre encompassing music, poetry, social media content, and more, all working to promote a form of Hindu nationalism.
Purohit dissects H-Pop through various artistic mediums. He analyzes music, exploring how lyrics, music videos, and performances endorse Hindutva narratives. The book delves into the works of folk-fusion singers, rap artists, and even electronic music producers who create anthems for Hindutva movements.
The reach of H-Pop extends beyond catchy tunes. Purohit examines how poems, online content, and even self-published books create a popular culture sphere that reinforces Hindutva ideology. The book explores the works of poets who glorify Hindu kings and historical revisionists who rewrite history through fiction. Social media influencers who spread misinformation and hate speech are also part of this analysis.
"H-Pop" doesn't just describe the phenomenon; it explores the reasons behind it. Purohit investigates the motivations of both creators and consumers of H-Pop. He examines how social identity, political views, and the need for belonging fuel the rise of H-Pop. The book also delves into the potential consequences of H-Pop, including religious polarization, social unrest, and even hate crimes.
While reviewers praise the book's meticulous research and insightful analysis, it's important to note that Purohit likely avoids naming specific artists and writers to prevent amplifying their work.
shivanity's review against another edition
3.0
Great subject, but written like it’s a college assignment. The prose feels flat, the characters while being very interesting aren’t portrayed so.
shreyabaldwa's review
informative
medium-paced
4.5
The BJP's propaganda game has always caught my fascination. Their well-oiled IT machinery and digital penetration in the country has made it easier for them to propagate their ideology far and wide. As a result, whether its during a religious procession, a festive occasion, a political rally, or now the reels on Instagram - it seems like culture promoting 'Hindutva' is everywhere. While the Hindutva pop culture exists far and deep, rarely do people understand its ramifications. However, Kunal Purohit's book 'Hindutva pop stars' looks at this unexplored research area with fine reportage.
The book details the rise and the hiccups in the journey of three Hindutva pop stars - Kavi Singh - a singer, Kamal Agneya - a poet, and Sundeep Deo a publisher. They mostly work independently of any Hindutva organisation. However, all are part of the growing Hindutva ecosystem. Their stories show how the BJP and its philosophy has become so ingrained in the heart of India.
Purohit's writing is simple and he presents the stories of the three pop stars in an engaging manner ensuring that all readers can grasp the significance of their work and the changing cultural dynamics. Instead of taking a hard stand against the hate culture, Purohit merely presents facts and leaves it to the reader to form their own opinions.
This Hindutva pop culture and hate music trend is dangerous as it demands the othering of Muslims and is a challenge to India's pluralistic ethos. While there is no clarity on how to combat it, the book is a conversation opener. This book, as rightly summarised in the blurb, presents “the frightening face of new India- one that is united by hate, divided by art.”
The book details the rise and the hiccups in the journey of three Hindutva pop stars - Kavi Singh - a singer, Kamal Agneya - a poet, and Sundeep Deo a publisher. They mostly work independently of any Hindutva organisation. However, all are part of the growing Hindutva ecosystem. Their stories show how the BJP and its philosophy has become so ingrained in the heart of India.
Purohit's writing is simple and he presents the stories of the three pop stars in an engaging manner ensuring that all readers can grasp the significance of their work and the changing cultural dynamics. Instead of taking a hard stand against the hate culture, Purohit merely presents facts and leaves it to the reader to form their own opinions.
This Hindutva pop culture and hate music trend is dangerous as it demands the othering of Muslims and is a challenge to India's pluralistic ethos. While there is no clarity on how to combat it, the book is a conversation opener. This book, as rightly summarised in the blurb, presents “the frightening face of new India- one that is united by hate, divided by art.”
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