Yesterday I watched Taare Zameen Par (http://www.taarezameenpar.com/), a new Indian movie Produced and Directed by Aamir Khan, a very famous Indian actor that has been more selective with his movies in the past few years.
This movie is focused on an 8 year old child in India who has Dyslexia. Presently in India, learning disorders are not normally recognized, because most people are unaware that they exist. This movie shows how, in the eyes of the adults, he is acting out and causing trouble; however just cannot express himself to the point that someone will understand him. Thus he is constantly called “stupid” and beaten at school for his outbursts. His parents try to understand him however are unable to and are also overwhelmed by societal pressures. At one point the child’s school teacher suggests that he has a learning disability and the father automatically has a defensive outburst saying “What?! Are you calling my son a RETARD?!” which is a normal reaction for Indians not only in India but also in the US. It is the same with depression. If someone is going through a natural state of depression that can easily be treated, it is seen as something shameful because they are “mentally ill” and family members tend to hide or ignore the fact to save face, which eventually is more harmful for the state of depression.
Through this movie Aamir Khan and this wondrous child actor explained how it really is for a child having a simple learning disorder in a society where it is unaccepted. Not only do they display how is outbursts are related to him not being understood, they ever so creatively, explained visually how learning is difficult for dyslexic kids and how they see things. This movie also reminds you how modern day education, though important, tends to stifle children’s creativity. He also displayed how children in these situations CAN be helped with a little time, dedication, understanding and creativity.
I cannot begin to describe how much I admire Aamir Khan for using his fame to put this movie, these issues in front of a main stream audience. This movie was sold out for weeks. I had written about this same issue in my graduate school applications. Ignorance is the worst type of problem, and our generation has so much power eliminate the ignorance by using media. Unfortunately our society has gotten wrapped up in fashion, fame and appearances, that most of society’s icons are poor role models for children and impressionable teenagers. While our most revered stars sing about “bling”, “booty”, and “I’m a slave”, Aamir Khan has used his celebrity to make a difference in society.
Finally, the film was so incredibly well done! The music was powerful, the cinematograph unique and the story line was solid. They did not over do any of the emotions as Bollywood tends to do, and all the facts about learning disorders were correct. Overall I was overwhelmingly impressed and wanted to share my feelings with you all. If you get the opportunity to see it, please do. Those of you who don’t speak Hindi, all Indian movies at home play Indian movies with subtitles. If you need help looking up locations of the movies please contact me and I will help, but I highly suggest this movie to everyone.
This movie is focused on an 8 year old child in India who has Dyslexia. Presently in India, learning disorders are not normally recognized, because most people are unaware that they exist. This movie shows how, in the eyes of the adults, he is acting out and causing trouble; however just cannot express himself to the point that someone will understand him. Thus he is constantly called “stupid” and beaten at school for his outbursts. His parents try to understand him however are unable to and are also overwhelmed by societal pressures. At one point the child’s school teacher suggests that he has a learning disability and the father automatically has a defensive outburst saying “What?! Are you calling my son a RETARD?!” which is a normal reaction for Indians not only in India but also in the US. It is the same with depression. If someone is going through a natural state of depression that can easily be treated, it is seen as something shameful because they are “mentally ill” and family members tend to hide or ignore the fact to save face, which eventually is more harmful for the state of depression.
Through this movie Aamir Khan and this wondrous child actor explained how it really is for a child having a simple learning disorder in a society where it is unaccepted. Not only do they display how is outbursts are related to him not being understood, they ever so creatively, explained visually how learning is difficult for dyslexic kids and how they see things. This movie also reminds you how modern day education, though important, tends to stifle children’s creativity. He also displayed how children in these situations CAN be helped with a little time, dedication, understanding and creativity.
I cannot begin to describe how much I admire Aamir Khan for using his fame to put this movie, these issues in front of a main stream audience. This movie was sold out for weeks. I had written about this same issue in my graduate school applications. Ignorance is the worst type of problem, and our generation has so much power eliminate the ignorance by using media. Unfortunately our society has gotten wrapped up in fashion, fame and appearances, that most of society’s icons are poor role models for children and impressionable teenagers. While our most revered stars sing about “bling”, “booty”, and “I’m a slave”, Aamir Khan has used his celebrity to make a difference in society.
Finally, the film was so incredibly well done! The music was powerful, the cinematograph unique and the story line was solid. They did not over do any of the emotions as Bollywood tends to do, and all the facts about learning disorders were correct. Overall I was overwhelmingly impressed and wanted to share my feelings with you all. If you get the opportunity to see it, please do. Those of you who don’t speak Hindi, all Indian movies at home play Indian movies with subtitles. If you need help looking up locations of the movies please contact me and I will help, but I highly suggest this movie to everyone.
4 comments:
Hi Nafessa Bai, the movie Taare Zameen Par was really good. Songs, the story line, and much more. Even while I was watching the movie, I knew how the boy felt, yes I don't have dyslexia, but I do have a problem with reading and writing, and I was called "retarded" by my teachers. Even in our modern day society were more people should understand, not always do. But this movie was a great movie, and I do also encourage everyone to watch it.
I saw this movie while I was in India and man oh man, I was expecting one of those Bollywood love stories with tons of skimpy outfits and dancing. I was thoroughly disappointed. However, I did enjoy seeing the kid get abused from time to time for "acting out." Brought back old memories! Very talented for a child actor.
beleive it or not i did want to watch this when i first heard about it. after reading your blog i definitely will =)
Nafessa! I will definitely check out the movie tho likely after I get back from Hyderabad :) I also really love the way Aamir Khan picks his roles..(really liked Rang De Basanti). Most of all though, I really admire how you are giving of yourself to the children of Hyderabad; I don't know enough ppl like you!
M
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