The Stereotyping of Atheists in Old Bollywood Movies and TV Serials & A Call for Change

 

The Stereotyping of Atheists in Old Bollywood Movies and TV Serials & A Call for Change

For decades, Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood and regional films, along with TV serials, has perpetuated a predictable and problematic stereotype of atheists. The portrayal of atheists in these narratives often follows a formulaic arc: a young, brash, happy-go-lucky man who rejects the idea of God, dismisses religious practices, and is invariably depicted as arrogant, rude, or morally flawed. By the climax, a dramatic life event — be it a personal tragedy, a near-death experience, or a moral reckoning — forces him to abandon his atheism and embrace theism, often with a grand gesture of devotion. This trope, recycled in countless films and serials, not only misrepresents atheists but also fosters a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding. It’s time to challenge this narrative and advocate for more nuanced, respectful portrayals.

The Archetypal Atheist in Indian Cinema

The stereotypical atheist in Indian films is rarely a complex, relatable character. Instead, he (and it’s almost always a “he”) is crafted as a caricature designed to evoke disapproval from the audience. Films like Nastik (1954), Aakhri Sajda (1977), OMG — Oh My God! (2012), Gopala Gopala (2015, Telugu), Thunaivan (1969, Tamil), Paithrukam (1993, Malayalam), and Kadavul (1997, Tamil) follow a similar blueprint. The atheist protagonist is introduced as carefree but arrogant, dismissive of religious rituals, and often rude to those who hold faith dear. Why is humility or kindness rarely attributed to these characters? The answer seems clear: a humble, compassionate atheist might be too likable, too admirable, and that could challenge the narrative’s agenda.

The plot typically unfolds with the atheist facing a crisis — illness, financial ruin, or the loss of a loved one — that exposes the supposed “emptiness” of his worldview. By the film’s climax, he undergoes a transformation, often depicted in a dramatic scene where he prays, visits a temple, or publicly acknowledges the existence of a higher power. This conversion is framed as his redemption, reinforcing the idea that atheism is a flawed, temporary state that must be “corrected” through faith.

The Problem with the Stereotype

This repetitive portrayal is not just lazy storytelling; it’s harmful. By consistently depicting atheists as arrogant, rude, or morally deficient, these films precondition audiences to associate atheism with negative traits. Theists, on the other hand, are often shown as humble, kind, and morally superior, creating a binary where faith equates to virtue and disbelief to vice. This oversimplification ignores the diversity of beliefs and personalities in real life, where atheists, like anyone else, can be compassionate, ethical, and community-oriented.

The absence of positive atheist role models in these narratives is telling. Rarely, if ever, do we see a film where a kind, humble atheist faces challenges, remains true to their beliefs, and emerges stronger without converting to theism. Such a story would validate atheism as a legitimate worldview, but instead, the industry opts for conversion narratives that align with cultural norms and religious sentiments. This approach marginalizes atheists, portraying them as outliers who must be “fixed” to fit into society.

Cultural Impact and the Need for Change

The impact of these portrayals extends beyond the screen. In a country like India, where religion plays a central role in social and cultural life, such depictions reinforce biases against atheists. They perpetuate the misconception that atheism is synonymous with immorality or hubris, making it harder for atheists to be open about their beliefs without facing judgment or ostracism. By hammering the same script across decades, Bollywood and regional cinema have contributed to a culture of intolerance, where atheism is seen as something to be pitied or corrected rather than respected.

Moreover, these narratives fail to reflect the growing diversity of thought in modern India. Atheism and agnosticism are not new to the country — philosophical traditions like Charvaka and Jainism have long embraced non-theistic perspectives. Yet, mainstream media rarely acknowledges this intellectual heritage or the lived experiences of contemporary atheists who lead fulfilling, ethical lives without religious faith.

A Path Forward: Nuanced Representation

To break this cycle of stereotyping, Indian cinema and television must embrace more authentic and diverse portrayals of atheists. Here are a few ways forward:

1. Show Atheists as Multifaceted Characters: Atheists should be depicted with the same complexity as theist characters — capable of kindness, humility, and moral integrity. A story about an atheist who navigates life’s challenges with resilience and compassion, without converting, would be a refreshing departure from the norm.
2. Challenge the Conversion Trope: Filmmakers should explore narratives where characters remain true to their atheistic beliefs, demonstrating that atheism is a valid and sustainable worldview. This would send a powerful message about respecting individual choices.
3. Highlight Ethical Atheism: Stories that showcase atheists contributing to their communities — through charity, activism, or personal relationships — would counter the stereotype of the “selfish” or “arrogant” atheist.
4. Engage with India’s Non-Theistic Traditions: Drawing on India’s rich history of non-theistic philosophies could provide a culturally rooted framework for portraying atheism positively.
5. Promote Dialogue, Not Division: Films and serials should move away from pitting atheism against theism in a simplistic good-versus-evil framework. Instead, they could explore the nuances of belief and disbelief, fostering understanding rather than judgment.

Conclusion

The stereotyping of atheists in old Bollywood movies and TV serials is a disservice to both storytelling and society. By recycling the same tired narrative of the arrogant atheist who must be redeemed through faith, these productions perpetuate harmful misconceptions and marginalize a significant group of people. It’s time for Indian cinema to evolve, to tell stories that reflect the diversity of human experience and respect atheism as a legitimate worldview. By portraying atheists as complex, compassionate, and steadfast in their beliefs, filmmakers can challenge stereotypes, reduce prejudice, and contribute to a more inclusive cultural narrative. Let’s move beyond the clichés and tell stories that truly resonate with the pluralistic spirit of modern India.

India’s Struggle with Atheism: A Case for True Inclusivity

 India, often celebrated as a vibrant mosaic of cultures and religions, prides itself on its constitutional commitment to secularism and freedom of religion. Yet, for the roughly 0.7 million people who, according to the 2001 census, fell under the “religion not stated” category—a proxy for atheists and agnostics—this promise of inclusivity rings hollow. While the Indian Constitution enshrines freedom of religion as a fundamental right under Article 25, it conspicuously omits explicit recognition of the right to reject religion altogether. This omission, coupled with societal prejudice and systemic barriers, reveals a stark reality: India is not as inclusive for atheists as its secular credentials might suggest.

Constitutional Barriers: Oaths and the Imposition of Faith

One of the most glaring examples of this exclusion lies in Schedule III of the Indian Constitution, which prescribes oaths for high constitutional offices such as the President, Vice President, and Supreme Court judges. These oaths invariably include the phrase, “I, A. B., do swear in the name of God.” For an atheist, this presents a profound dilemma: to take the oath is to compromise personal conviction, while refusing it could bar them from holding these offices. This requirement effectively implies that an atheist cannot fully participate in India’s highest echelons of governance without violating their principles.

Contrast this with the United States, where the Oath of Allegiance includes the phrase “so help me God” but allows individuals to opt for a secular alternative, “and solemnly affirm.” This flexibility ensures that atheists and nonbelievers are not coerced into invoking a deity they do not believe in, making the U.S. system demonstrably more inclusive in this regard. India’s failure to offer a similar alternative underscores a systemic bias that privileges theistic belief over nonbelief, undermining the spirit of secularism.

Societal Prejudice: The United Front Against Atheists

Beyond legal barriers, atheists in India face pervasive social stigma. Conservative adherents of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other faiths may clash over doctrinal differences, but they often unite in their disdain for atheism. This unity stems from a shared unease: atheists, by rejecting all religious frameworks, implicitly challenge the foundational beliefs that these groups hold dear. To the devout, atheism is not just a personal choice but a perceived attack on the moral and cultural fabric of society.

This prejudice is rooted in a deeper truth about religious identity in India. Every child is born without religious affiliation—an atheist by default—but is swiftly indoctrinated into the faith of their family or community. From an early age, individuals are taught to defend their religion and, often, to view others with suspicion or hostility. Atheists, who step outside this cycle, are seen as threats because they recognize what many dare not admit: that all religions, at their core, rest on unprovable claims. This realization makes atheists convenient scapegoats for conservative ire, uniting otherwise fractious religious groups in a shared mission to marginalize them.

The Indoctrination Trap: A Case for Religious Choice

The root of this intolerance lies in the lack of genuine religious choice. In India, religion is rarely a matter of personal conviction; it is an inheritance, imposed by family and reinforced by society. Children are not educated about the diversity of worldviews—religious or otherwise—but are instead groomed to uphold the faith of their parents. This is not choice; it is coercion dressed as tradition.

A radical rethinking of religious education is needed. Children should be exposed to the pros and cons of all major religions, alongside secular philosophies like atheism and agnosticism, in an impartial manner. This education should continue until the age of 18, at which point individuals should be free to choose their worldview—whether it be a religion, atheism, or something else entirely. Just as Indian citizens become eligible to vote at 18, they should also gain the autonomy to define their spiritual or non-spiritual identity. This approach would not only foster critical thinking but also dismantle the cycle of indoctrination that fuels religious intolerance and communal strife.

The Misclassification of Atheists: Erasing Identity

A troubling trend in India is the tendency to classify atheists as Hindus by default, particularly in official records or public discourse. This practice is not only inaccurate but also deeply coercive. Hinduism, despite its philosophical diversity, is a religion with specific rituals, texts, and deities—none of which an atheist necessarily subscribes to. Forcing an atheist to identify as Hindu erases their identity and imposes a theistic framework they have explicitly rejected. The question must be asked: why can’t an atheist simply be an atheist, free from the baggage of any religious label?

This misclassification reflects a broader discomfort with atheism as a standalone identity. In a country where religion is often equated with morality and cultural belonging, atheism is viewed as an aberration, a void that must be filled with something familiar—like Hinduism. This not only marginalizes atheists but also perpetuates the notion that nonbelief is somehow incomplete or illegitimate.

Atheists as the True Minority

Despite India’s vast diversity, atheists are among its most overlooked minorities. While religious minorities like Muslims or Christians face their own challenges, they at least have recognized identities and advocacy networks. Atheists, by contrast, lack institutional support and are often forced to navigate a society that equates godlessness with immorality. Political discourse, dominated by communal issues, rarely acknowledges atheism as a valid perspective, further sidelining this group. Yet, embracing atheism could offer a path to transcend the divisive religious conflicts that plague Indian politics, fostering a more rational and inclusive public sphere.

A Vision for Change

To become truly inclusive, India must address both its legal and cultural biases against atheism. Amending constitutional oaths to include secular alternatives, as seen in the U.S., is a necessary first step. Equally important is reforming education to prioritize critical thinking and religious literacy, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their beliefs. Society must also confront its prejudice, recognizing atheism not as a threat but as a legitimate worldview that challenges dogma and promotes reason.

India’s secularism is incomplete without embracing those who choose to live without religion. By granting atheists the same dignity and rights as religious citizens, India can move closer to its ideal of a pluralistic, inclusive democracy—one that respects not just the right to believe, but also the right to disbelieve.

Note: All statistics and constitutional references are based on the provided information and publicly available data as of April 27, 2025.