EDITOR

ABSTRACT

PUNE RESEARCH  

AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL IN ENGLISH

( ISSN 2454  -  3454  ONLINE ) (JIF 3.945)

 VOLUME 12, ISSUE - 03 ( MAY - JUNE 2026 )

DR. PANKAJ LOKHANDE

ABSTRACT

Contemporary Hindi cinema has undergone a significant transformation in its representation of women, sexuality, and desire. While earlier Bollywood films frequently portrayed women as passive objects of male desire within patriarchal narratives, recent films increasingly depict women as autonomous subjects capable of articulating their own desires and identities. This research paper examines the representation of gender, body, and desire in contemporary Hindi cinema through a feminist theoretical framework. Drawing upon the works of Laura Mulvey, Judith Butler, and Michel Foucault, the paper analyzes how the female body has shifted from being merely a spectacle for the male gaze to becoming a site of resistance, agency, and self-expression. Through textual analysis of selected films such as Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016), Queen (2014), Parched (2015), Gehraiyaan (2022), and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), the paper explores the changing discourse surrounding female sexuality, bodily autonomy, and identity in Bollywood. The study argues that contemporary Hindi cinema reflects evolving social attitudes toward women’s agency while simultaneously negotiating patriarchal anxieties and cultural conservatism. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates that cinema functions as a contested cultural space where gender identities and sexual politics are continuously reconstructed.

Keywords: Gender, Body Politics, Female Desire, Hindi Cinema, Bollywood, Feminist Film Theory, Male Gaze, Sexuality, Agency, Representation

DR. VIBHATI VASANTRAO KULKARNI

ABSTRACT

Reading is one of the most significant intellectual activities that contributes to personality development, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and social awareness. In the modern digital age, reading habits have declined due to excessive dependence on technology and social media, affecting concentration, analytical thinking, and language development among students. The present research article critically examines the role of reading in personality development with special reference to communication skills, ethical values, critical thinking, and motivational growth. The study also highlights the importance of biographies, autobiographies, myths, and literary texts in shaping human attitudes and behavior. Through analytical and descriptive methodology, the paper establishes that reading not only enhances language proficiency but also contributes to emotional maturity, confidence, and leadership qualities. The article concludes that reading habits are essential for holistic personality development and educational advancement.

Keywords: reading habits, personality development, communication skills, critical thinking, motivation, literature, education