Mental health has become a huge problem around the world in recent decades. While the issue has gained quite a bit of prominence in the Western world, in India, awareness is still quite minor. In earlier times, any mental health problem was always referred to as ‘pagal (crazy)’. However, as we move forward, a beginning has occurred and, in recent years, we have seen people speak openly about mental health issues.
Even in our movies, mental health is an issue that very few movies have addressed, even though it plays a big role and impacts the population to some extent. There are only a few movies that deal with mental health difficulties. Most of the time we have seen that the mental health issues shown in the movies stem from some problems or traumas that occur during childhood. As we enter World Children’s Mental Health Week (February 7-13), we take a walk down memory lane to check out some Bollywood movies that have featured mental health challenges and disorders in one form or another:
‘Atrangi Re’ (2021)
Rinku Sooryavanshi, played by Sara Ali Khan, cannot absorb the pain of witnessing the honor killing of her parents when she was young. She begins to hallucinate, including those of her creative boyfriend, Akshay Kumar’s Sajjad Ali Khan.
‘The trial of Hai Kya’ (2019)
Bobby (Kangana Ranaut) is diagnosed with a severe psychosis in adulthood as a result of a traumatic childhood experience. Interestingly, the plot takes a frantic twist, with Bobby’s fantasy world sometimes merging with a terrifying reality.
‘Chichore’ (2019)
‘Chhichhore’ is the story of Aniruddh Pathak (Sushant Singh Rajput), a middle-aged divorcee whose son Raghav attempts suicide but lives, despite being in serious condition due to his desire to live for fear of being labeled a ” loser”.
‘Dear Zindagi’ (2016)
Kaira (Alia Bhatt), a talented cinematographer, is having relationship problems. She meets Dr. Jehangir (Shah Rukh Khan), who helps her address her issues with her parents and gain a new perspective on life, leading her to pursue her passion and improve her love life. her.
Tamasha (2015)
Ved, played by Ranbir Kapoor, tries to discover his true nature, while Tara, played by Deepika Padukone, tries to help him on his journey. In a non-linear script based on the drama, it portrays Ved’s narrative as a 9-year-old boy, a 19-year-old teenager, and a 30-year-old adult.
‘Karthik calling Karthik’ (2010)
Karthik (Farhan Akhtar), an introvert, is often teased by his boss and has suffered several disappointments in his life. However, one day he receives a phone call from a stranger who offers to change his life. He also addresses schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder.
‘Anjaana Anjaani’ (2010)
Akash (Ranbir Kapoor) and Kiara (Priyanka Chopra), two suicidal and heartbroken people, meet just before committing suicide. The couple then plan to live their lives to the fullest until New Year’s Day. Ranbir’s character has acute stress disorder, while Priyanka’s character has adjustment disorder.
Taare Zameen Par (2008)
The story follows Ishaan (Darsheel Safary), an 8-year-old dyslexic boy. His parents send him to boarding school due to his poor academic performance. Nikumbh (Aamir Khan), Ishaan’s new art instructor, guesses that he is dyslexic and works with him to overcome his reading disability.
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