Exploring the influence of Bollywood films on the identity of British second-generation South-Asian men

The main objective of this thesis was to understand the influence of the Indian film industry on British second-generation South-Asian men. In addition, it also explored how they related to their daily life, identity, culture, and relationships and whether there was any dual identity crisis. Seven, male, second generation participants, aged between 25-36, who watched Bollywood media, were interviewed regarding their experiences, and meaning making processes. Three superordinate themes emerged: 1) Bollywood films influencing world view and way of being, 2) British Asian sense of identity and Bollywood films and 3) Making sense of relationships and social world. I interpreted that the participants felt Bollywood films influenced their own (and other viewers) values, behaviour, and identity. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to extract these themes.

Lastly, the study aimed to support the Counselling Psychology community to understand the issues of identity crisis, isolation and disconnect -through an existential framework- that South-Asian men may present in the therapy room and how to better assist them.