The teaser for Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par was released last month and has captivated audiences with its overwhelming blend of humour, heart, and inclusivity.
At the heart of the film’s ethos is inclusivity, which presents neurodivergent individuals as empowered protagonists rather than clichés. This core ethos of inclusivity strikes a powerful chord.
“As a mother of a special child, this is a hope towards awareness and acceptance. Somebody with that power and image can bring awareness to our society. I hope and wish for the people to empathise with my daughter. She is innocent and nonverbal. It’s difficult for her to stand up for herself. So she needs empathetic people in the environment,” said Ajita Gurnani Verma, mother of a 7-year-old daughter who has autism.
Ajita was delighted to see the teaser and felt relieved that an actor of that stature took up such a sensitive topic and portrayed it so beautifully. “This is a powerful medium to raise awareness. My daughter is either rejected or mistreated. The world is extremely tough for special kids. And such an initiative brings in hope,” said Ajita.
Looking closely at the teaser, you’ll realise that the film’s overwhelming appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of neurodivergent characters as heroes of their own story, not mere plot devices.
“What’s beautiful is that he hasn’t taken children and made them act or portray as a special child. That in itself is a huge accomplishment. As parents of special children, we can focus on our journey of helping our children rather than thinking and behaving according to the judgments of the people around us. If I were to focus on my journey, I would wholeheartedly work on my daughter’s milestones, education, communication and social development. But instead, I am also doing the job of spreading autism awareness and acceptance. Parents like me also struggle with societal issues, and I believe this film will spark some meaningful conversations about inclusivity in India, aligning with growing awareness of mental health and disability rights.”
