Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt host President Droupadi Murmu at Sitaare Zameen Par screening with neurodivergent cast

Economic Times

5 hours ago

President Droupadi Murmu attended a special screening of Aamir Khan's film Sitaare Zameen Par at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The film, which features neurodivergent debutant actors, was praised by the President for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, and Gauri Spratt were present at the event, which included heartfelt interactions with the cast and a special memento presentation to the President.
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A Story Told with Sensitivity and Empathy
A special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on June 24, 2025. The screening was graced by the Honourable President of India, Droupadi Murmu , who watched the film in the presence of actor-producer Aamir Khan , his partner Gauri Spratt, co-star Genelia Deshmukh, and the debutant actors of the film.Photos shared by Aamir Khan Productions gave a warm glimpse into the evening, capturing candid moments of the President interacting with the cast and crew. The official statement expressed gratitude towards President Murmu, highlighting her kind hospitality and the appreciation she showed for the film's message and performances.Following the screening, the President's office shared on social media that Sitaare Zameen Par showcases the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The post acknowledged the film's cast—featuring real-life neurodivergent individuals—and emphasized how the story conveys important themes in a heartfelt way. The film's lead actor Aamir Khan, who plays a basketball coach, and the rest of the team were present during the event.Earlier the same day, Aamir Khan had also called on the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a moment that was documented in an official photograph shared by her office.Directed by R.S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par brings together a cast of ten neurodivergent debutants—Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. The film has been praised for its heartfelt narrative and socially relevant message. Within five days of release, it has grossed over Rs 75 crore at the box office.Critics have appreciated the film for maintaining a balance between entertainment and awareness. Reviews note that the film educates the audience about intellectual disabilities (ID) while keeping the tone uplifting. The Times of India rated it 3.5 out of 5, commending its ability to communicate that individuals with ID are not only employable and independent but also compassionate and full of life.Photos from the event captured several emotional highlights, including President Murmu engaging in friendly exchanges with the young debutant actors and conversing with Genelia Deshmukh, who appeared in a traditional off-white outfit. In another touching moment, Gauri Spratt presented a memento to the President on behalf of the team.