Neeraj Ghaywan Says Bollywood Has Ignored Majority, Focused Only on Upper-Caste Stories
Neeraj Ghaywan slams Bollywood for 100 years of upper-caste stories, says Dalit-tribal voices missing entirely.
Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, whose latest film Homebound has been selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2026, has spoken out about the lack of caste diversity in mainstream Indian cinema. Ghaywan, known for his socially grounded storytelling, said that for over a century, Bollywood has primarily represented the experiences of upper-caste communities, neglecting the realities of the majority population.
Speaking on IMDb’s official YouTube channel, Ghaywan observed, “Traditionally, in Hindi cinema, we’ve been telling stories that revolve around just 10–15% of the population, mostly the upper-caste population. In 100 years of cinema, we’ve largely neglected the majority of the population.” He emphasized the urgent need for inclusivity—both in the stories being told and in the creative voices behind the camera.
The filmmaker further pointed out the near absence of Dalit and tribal representation in the film industry. “There have been no people from Dalit or tribal communities, either in front of or behind the camera. I’m probably one of the few acknowledged members from the community. That’s a glaring problem. We have to make reparations for that,” he said. His remarks highlighted how structural inequality and lack of representation continue to define mainstream filmmaking, where marginalized voices are rarely given agency or authenticity.
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Ghaywan’s latest film Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, continues his exploration of caste and class dynamics. Adapted from a New York Times essay, the movie follows two friends—a Dalit and a Muslim—who aspire to become policemen as a means to escape systemic discrimination. Set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 migrant crisis, the film portrays resilience, friendship, and the search for dignity in a divided society.
Produced by Karan Johar and backed by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese as Executive Producer, Homebound premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival before earning acclaim at several international film festivals. Released in India in August 2025, the film was praised for its realism and empathy, further strengthening Ghaywan’s reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most socially conscious storytellers. His comments come at a time when calls for greater diversity and equity in Indian storytelling are gaining momentum both domestically and abroad.
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