In Bollywood storytelling, rare diseases and disorders have been given attention. These lesser-known conditions have been the focus of several Bollywood films over the years, aiming to raise awareness and foster understanding among audiences. Follow Trendingbites. in for more updates.
Rare diseases and disorders are the focus of exploration in Bollywood films. Furthermore, the Bollywood industry has produced the following movies touching upon these topics:
Paa: Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan narrated Paa. Who portrayed a 13-year-old Progeria patient inspired by Sampson Gordon Berns. The rare genetic disorder caused a quick acceleration of his aging process. For the role, he needed to undergo several hours of prosthetic makeup preparation.
Margarita with a Straw
The film directed by Shonali Bose, tells the story of a girl, played by Kalki Kolchlin, who lives with cerebral palsy (conditions that affect movement and posture). However, despite this, the protagonist manages to overcome her obstacles and achieve her goals.
Guzaarish: Bollywood Films
In Guzaarish by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Hrithik Roshan portrayed the role of a quadriplegic patient who cannot move from the neck down. Additionally, the film featured Hrithik as a patient after a freak accident, who was once a star magician. Futhermore, Mercy killing was advocated for, lamenting the sadness of being confined to a body devoid of life.
My Name Is Khan
Asperger’s syndrome is a condition affecting Shah Rukh Khan.
However, the disease made the hero in this film an undercommunicative and less interactive member of society.
Additionally, SRK’s character drew viewers closer instantly, emerging as a hero despite facing religious bias and dealing with an ailment.
Ghagini: Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan was a patient with Anterograde amnesia who acted in a film.
A.R. Murugadoss’s psychological thriller, titled ‘Memento’ in homage to Christopher Nolan’s film and the Tamil blockbuster of the same name, features Aamir as the protagonist suffering from Anterograde amnesia (short-term memory loss). As well as, The disease was unheard of in Bollywood until it was brought to light through the film’s release.
Barfi: Bollywood Films
Priyanka Chopra portrayed the autistic girl in Anurag Basu’s Barfi! Approximately 1-2 people are affected by autism (a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain) according to 1,000. Additionally, the disorder of neural development is typically first noticed in children by the age of three. In the film, Ranbir Kapoor portrayed the character of a deaf and mute man.
Black: Bollywood Films
Amitabh Bachan in the film Black, portrayed the character of an Alzheimer’s patient. Alzheimer’s is a progressive and fatal brain disorder that destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss, problems with thinking, and behavioral issues. Consequently, loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment is common. This can be severe enough to impact work, lifelong hobbies, and social life.
Taare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan had a significant impact in Taare Zameen Par by depicting the challenges faced by dyslexic children (A child with a learning disability has trouble processing words or numbers). The movie won the Filmfare Best Film Award in 2008, produced and directed by Aamir Khan. Furthermore, the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film featured India’s official entry.
Phir Milenge: Bollywood Film
Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty played the roles of AIDS patients. An actress and filmmaker was the first to introduce AIDS into a Bollywood plot with her film 2004. Furthermore, “Phir Milenge” did not just allude to the deadly disease; rather, it boldly portrayed Shilpa and Salman as HIV-positive patients. Additionally, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system.
Koi Mil Gaya
To begin with, Bollywood science fiction hindi movie, ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ is directed by Rakesh Roshan, with Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta in the leading roles. Moreover, Jadoo, an alien, initially befriends Rohit Mehra, a mentally disabled man, and grants him superhuman abilities. The film’s unique storyline and performances led to its commercial success, with praise from critics. Consequently, two sequels have been produced.
Dear Zindagi
The Bollywood movie “Dear Zindagi” is directed by Gauri Shinde and stars Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt in the leading roles. The film narrates the story of Kaira, a young cinematographer, as she grapples with personal and professional hurdles. However, Dr. Jehangir Khan helps her gain a new perspective as she meets him. The film delves into mental health, self-discovery, and the acceptance of imperfections. It has received positive reviews from critics.
Hichki: Bollywood Films
Maneesh Sharma and Siddharth P. Malhotra produce the Bollywood film ‘Hichki,’ with Malhotra also helming the direction. It stars Rani Mukerji. However, the best movies, about Naina Mathur, a person with Tourette syndrome (a condition of the nervous system). Despite facing discrimination, the protagonist manages to become a teacher.Furthermore, the film delves into themes of resilience, acceptance, and the power of education.
Karthik Calling Karthik
Vijay Lalwani and Farhan Akhtar-Ritesh Sidhwani produce “Karthik Calling Karthik,” a 2010 Bollywood psychological thriller film directed by Vijay Lalwani. Furthermore, a mysterious caller, claiming to be Karthik Narayan, makes phone calls to him in the film. Consequently, an introverted and shy man with low self-esteem, Karthik Narayan, is the focus of the movie as he receives these enigmatic calls. As he realizes the caller has sinister intentions, his confidence grows. In addition, the film received positive reviews for its unique storyline, gripping narrative, and strong performances.
Bollywood films explore rare diseases, raising awareness and empathy, while also highlighting physical discomfort and emotional trauma experienced by patients, aiming to restore kindness in society.
