In a society determined to ‘fix' people with disabilities, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par' shows that everyone has their own normal

Indian Express

09-07-2025

Written by Lubna Ismailee
Cinema has the power to reflect society and sometimes, to change it. Last week, I went to watch Sitaare Zameen Par, and it was altogether a different experience. I saw many kids watching the movie. They would cheer throughout the film, 'Sitaare, Sitaare, Sitaare.' It was amazing to witness this enthusiasm. When asked what their key takeaway was, they said, 'Sabka apna-apna normal hota hai' (everyone has their version of normal).
This seemingly simple takeaway captures the essence of the film. At its heart, the movie challenges societal definitions of 'normal', particularly through the journey of Aamir Khan's character, Gulshan, a basketball coach who is initially biased against his intellectually disabled students. When a judge assigns him to train them, his immediate reaction is dismissive: 'Pagalon ko sikhaunga main teen mahine ke liye? (Do you really expect me to train these mad people for three months?)' His words reflect a widespread societal mindset, one that reduces disabled individuals to labels and limitations. Section 2(c) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, defines a 'barrier' as any factor — social, attitudinal, or institutional — that hampers full and effective participation in society. The film captures this attitudinal barrier with nuance and clarity.
Unfortunately, intellectually disabled people are labeled as mad and good-for-nothing. As per the State of the Education Report for India: Children with Disabilities, a 2019 report by UNESCO, about 45 per cent of children with disabilities in India do not attend school at all. Stigma from peers and teachers, low expectations, and a lack of disability-friendly curriculum contribute to dropouts. 'People would often look at us with pity,' says the mother of 33-year-old Shaurya Mehrotra. She says, 'The doctor said he is a gone case when he diagnosed my son has Down Syndrome. He will live like a vegetable, without doing anything.' Thirty-year-old Aditi Verma's mother shares, 'Since my daughter was a slow learner, other parents would pass insensitive comments like she is abnormal, pagal hai ye (she is mad), and suggested their children maintain distance from Aditi.'
Instances like these highlight the importance of Dolly Ahluwalia's character, Preeto, Gulshan's mother in the film. Gulshan's coach was unwilling to audition him, let alone train him, due to his short height. Hence, throughout the movie, Preeto taunts Gulshan as 'tingu' (shorty), reminding him of his barriers. She recounts how her belief in Gulshan made him not only a basketball player but assistant coach to the national basketball team. We all need that cheerleader in our lives who accepts us, believes in us, stands by us, and cheers us on regardless of the circumstances.
Shaurya and Aditi's mothers are among those cheerleaders, and the result? Shaurya has been running Banana Studio, a pottery studio in Gurugram, for more than a decade now. 'He can drive, goes to the pub, and enjoys his life,' adds his mother. Since 2016, Aditi has been running Aditi's Corner, a café in Navi Mumbai, managing it all by herself. She has recently opened another branch. The Census 2011 report shows that only 36 per cent of disabled people are in the workforce, of which 47 per cent are male, while only 23 per cent are female.
The movie also doesn't shy away from showing harsh workplace realities. Gulshan's students, adults, and employed are not just surviving but thriving, yet they are not immune to exploitation. One student is underpaid and overworked despite being highly efficient. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), persons with disabilities are 30 per cent less likely to be in the labour force. Those employed earn 12 per cent less per hour, and in lower-income countries, the gap widens to 26 per cent, much of it due to bias.
The soundtrack of the film carries this spirit of rebellion and resilience. One track goes, 'Free baith ke humko makhi nahin maarna, har daav jeetenge hum…Hum hukum ke ikke…' Another, titled 'Good for nothing,' challenges societal labels: 'Good for nothing… palat ke humne zamaane se kaha, bhaad mein jaana…' These lyrics portray persons with disabilities not as subjects of pity or unattainable inspiration, but simply as capable, driven, and deserving people.
In a world of 8.2 billion, people with disabilities bring talent, creativity, and perspective. However, every day, they face challenges that hamper their ability to contribute equally to our societies. This is not only a violation of their rights but a loss for our society and its diversity. Ensuring that people with disabilities have access to equal opportunities and decent work does not happen by accident. It requires dedicated and sustained action.
In a society that tirelessly tries to 'fix' people with disabilities, maybe it is time we fix our definition of 'normal'. Disability is beyond our control, but becoming a Gulshan or a Preeto is not!
The writer is an advocate at the Delhi High Court