A New India
Chapter 258 - 258: Meeting with Bollywood

Rohan adjusted his tie as he stood before the grand conference room in Delhi's Ashoka Hotel.

Inside the hall sat the most powerful and celebrated names in Bollywood, directors who defined the industry, producers who controlled the purse strings, and actors adored by millions across India.

Their curiosity about this meeting was tempered by nervousness; they all knew Rohan's reputation.

He wasn't a man to mince words, and he certainly wasn't one to tolerate dissent.

The double doors opened, and the room fell silent as Rohan entered, his stride measured, his expression resolute.

Behind him were Harish Patel, the Finance Minister, and KP Singh, the Foreign Minister. Neeraj lingered discreetly in the background, carrying a file that everyone suspected would be the crux of the meeting.

Rohan stepped up to the podium, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room.

For a moment, he let the silence speak, his presence alone enough to command attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice firm but steady, "Bollywood is a powerful industry. It reaches millions within our country and millions more across the world. It is a treasure, a unique cultural force. But let me be frank it is also a failing industry. Failing in its responsibility to this nation."

The murmurs began almost immediately, but Rohan raised his hand, silencing them. "Let me explain," he continued. "Cinema is not just entertainment. It is a reflection of our society, our values, and our identity. And Bollywood, for too long, has reflected everything but the truth of India."

Rohan's words hung in the air as he let the room absorb the weight of his accusation.

Some directors exchanged uneasy glances.

One of the older producers, known for his lavish historical dramas, cleared his throat as if preparing to object, but Rohan pressed on.

"For times," Rohan said, his voice gaining an edge, "Bollywood has glorified invaders who sought to destroy our culture. It has whitewashed our history, erasing the sacrifices of Hindu rulers who defended this land. It has sidelined the stories of our epics, stories that embody our values, our resilience, and our wisdom. Instead, it has pandered to narratives that weaken us as a nation."

A famous director, Pradeep Sharma, known for his socially conscious films, raised his hand. "Prime Minister," he began cautiously, "with respect, isn't cinema meant to be a platform for all voices? Shouldn't it reflect the diversity of our society?"

Rohan's gaze fixed on Sharma, sharp and unyielding. "Mr. Sharma, diversity does not mean diluting truth. For decades, this industry has used 'diversity' as an excuse to glorify those who oppressed us, while neglecting the heroes and values that define our civilization. Bollywood must choose, will it continue to undermine the nation's identity, or will it align with its true heritage?"

A murmur of discontent rippled through the room, but Rohan's voice cut through it like a blade. "Let me make this clear: this government will no longer support films that distort history, glorify anti-national figures, or promote narratives that erode Hindu culture. If you want government support, funding, tax benefits, or access to state-of-the-art studios you will align with the national mandate."

The room erupted into whispers and low protests.

A celebrated actor, known for his suave roles and sharp wit, raised his hand. "Prime Minister, don't you think this level of control borders on censorship? Isn't creative freedom essential to the growth of our industry?"

Rohan smiled, but it was a smile devoid of warmth. "Creative freedom, Mr. Kapoor, does not mean the freedom to mislead or undermine. Cinema is a weapon. It can build a nation's identity, or it can destroy it. I will not allow it to be used against India."

A prominent producer, Ramesh Tiwari, leaned forward. "And what happens if we refuse to comply, Prime Minister? Bollywood has thrived without government interference for decades."

Rohan's expression hardened. "Mr. Tiwari, if you refuse to comply, you will find it difficult to operate in this country. Funding will dry up. Regulatory hurdles will multiply. Distribution channels will close. This government has the power and the will to ensure that those who work against the nation's interests do not profit from it."

The room fell into stunned silence. Rohan's words were not a threat; they were a promise.

He turned to Harish, who handed him the file. Rohan opened it and began listing the reforms. "From now on, films that promote Hindu philosophy, historical epics, and the stories of our great rulers will be prioritized. Regional cinema will also receive support, provided it aligns with these values. Any film that undermines Hindu culture, glorifies invaders, or distorts history will not be certified or funded."

One of the younger directors, a rising star in the industry, raised his hand hesitantly. "Prime Minister, how will this be enforced? What's to stop us from making films independently?"

"The Censor Board has already been reformed," Rohan replied. "Every script will be reviewed for its alignment with national values before it's certified. Films that fail to meet the criteria won't see the light of day. Additionally, the government is establishing the Indian Film Development Board. This body will oversee funding, provide access to new studios, and offer tax benefits but only to those who comply."

A veteran actress, renowned for her roles in period dramas, spoke up. "Prime Minister, what about the international market? Won't these restrictions limit our global appeal?"

"On the contrary," Rohan said. "The world is hungry for stories that are unique, authentic, and rooted in culture. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Chola dynasty, the valor of Maharana Pratap, these are stories the world has never seen. If you tell them with the grandeur they deserve, they will resonate globally."

The room was silent again, the seriousness of Rohan's words sinking in.

Finally, Rohan leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "This is not a negotiation. This is a mandate. Bollywood has a choice, align with the nation's identity, or find itself irrelevant. The government is pouring unprecedented resources into this industry. But those resources come with conditions. You can either seize this opportunity or squander it. The choice is yours."

He stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "You have been given the tools to make Bollywood a force for good, a beacon of India's cultural renaissance. Don't waste them."

With that, Rohan left the room, his presence lingering long after he was gone.

The industry leaders sat in stunned silence, the enormity of the mandate settling in. Bollywood was about to change forever.