REINVENTING IDENTITIES: A CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF IDENTITY REPRESENTATION IN THE NETFLIX SERIES TAJ MAHAL 1989(2020)

Abstract

The present study offers a cultural analysis of identity formation in the Netflix series Taj Mahal 1989 with emphasis on the hybridization of Indian Identity and characters struggle with complex social norms. Utilizing the idea of ‘Cultural Representation’ by Stuart Hall and ‘Hybridity’ by Homi K Bhabha, the paper explores how Indian identity is not a stagnant one and it is in process of becoming and is getting reinventing with each passing moment. The study sheds light on how the characters deploy eastern and western ideals in order to challenge the status quo thus going towards decoloniality of their culture and representation in cinema. The study stands significant in exploring ways in which people especially the female characters are acting as wall against the strict norms of Indian patriarchal norms in contemporary cinema.