Industry Veteran Decries Historical Imbalance: Bollywood's Selective Portrayal of Indian Heritage Under Scrutiny

In a pointed critique of contemporary Hindi cinema's narrative priorities, veteran actor-producer Suniel Shetty has highlighted a concerning pattern of historical representation. Speaking in the wake of his film 'Kesari Veer'—a project detailing the destruction of the Somnath Temple which underperformed commercially due to distribution challenges rather than content deficiencies—Shetty questioned the industry's disproportionate focus on Mughal-era figures like Aurangzeb and Akbar. He contrasted this with the relative cinematic neglect of seminal indigenous heroes such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Rajput dynasties, whose stories remain underexplored in mainstream film. This analysis suggests a broader cultural discourse, aligning with sentiments previously expressed by actor Akshay Kumar, regarding the imperative to celebrate and institutionalize narratives centered on India's own historical champions. Shetty's commentary transcends mere box-office critique, framing the issue as one of cultural stewardship and the responsibility of popular media to furnish a balanced, comprehensive historical education that honors the nation's diverse heritage. The call advocates for a strategic shift in content development towards narratives that reinforce indigenous pride and provide a counterpoint to entrenched historiographical biases.