A Postcolonial Feminist Analysis of The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan

Abstract

Anuja Chauhan’s “The Zoya Factor" presents a unique lens through which to examine the complexities of postcolonial India, mainly through a feminist framework. This paper will delve into the novel's portrayal of gender roles, national identity, and the lingering impact of colonial legacies on contemporary Indian society. By exploring Zoya's experiences as a successful advertising executive and a seemingly accidental lucky charm for the Indian cricket team, the analysis will unpack how Chauhan subverts traditional notions of femininity and masculinity within a postcolonial context. Furthermore, the paper will examine the concept of hybridity in Zoya's identity, tracing how her mixed-race heritage and navigation of Westernized professional spaces challenge monolithic understandings of Indian identity. Ultimately, this paper will contribute to a broader understanding of how postcolonial feminist perspectives can illuminate the nuanced dynamics of societal power structures and individual experiences within contemporary India.