Interface between Identity and Geography in Shobhaa De’s Superstar India

Abstract

The present research paper undertakes the study of interface between identity and geography as reflected inShobhaaDe’sSuperstar India. It explores the course of actionof shaping ones’ identity with changing scenario and its geography. It also investigates how dominant culture has hegemonized the Indian way of life. Effect of Western culture is presented in order to project the neo identity shaped after the legitimization of English language and other various changes after India got its freedom from the clutch of British rule. By using Halls concept it finds out how Indians and their culture are represented, using Gramsci’s notion the research paper explores the dominance of one group over another, at the same time to reinforce the marginalized discourse and identity. This research paper initiates the Althusser’s notion of ‘Interpellation’ and finally the concept and effects of ‘State Apparatuses’ from Gramsci in order to investigate De’s articulation of identity and culture in Indian geography. By using the concept of above theorists, this research paper finds out how Indians and their geography are represented by embedding the ideology, dominance of mainstream culture over marginalized and at the same time this paper scrutinizes the marginalized discourse and identity of a place. Thus, it is concluded that interface helps De, to discover the identity set by geography to make India more incredible and unstoppable.