Kunal Purohit is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and podcast creator with a wealth of experience. His work on topics like politics, inequality, and Hindu nationalism has earned him accolades such as the Ramnath Goenka Award and the UNFPA-Laadli Media Award. He holds degrees from SOAS University of London and Mumbai University. His notable works include the Audible podcast ‘Vanished: Inside India’s Bermuda Triangle’ and the documentary ‘The Children of Nowhere,’ featured in outlets like Al Jazeera and ProPublica.
In his book ‘H-Pop: The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars,’ Purohit explores how Hindutva Pop normalizes Islamophobia and demonizes minorities, shedding light on significant issues.
Short Summary of Interview:
Kunal Purohit discussed the recent elections, noting that despite the BJP’s financial power, media manipulation, and communal rhetoric, there was significant pushback from the people. He emphasized that communalism remains deeply entrenched and will persist.
Looking ahead, Purohit stressed addressing everyday issues like unemployment and healthcare. He urged making constitutional ideals like secularism relatable to common people and reclaiming narratives of historical figures like Gandhi and Ambedkar. Purohit called for persistent government accountability, encouraged the majority to stand against hate, and highlighted the crucial role of journalists, artists, and civil society in nurturing democratic values and combating communalism daily.
