The Hindu : New Delhi News : An appeal for sensitivity

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 23, 2006
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New Delhi

New Delhi

An appeal for sensitivity

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

NEW DELHI: Expressing serious objection to the insensitive portrayal of schizophrenia in Mahesh Bhatt's film "Woh Lamhe'', Torchbearers, a self-help advocacy group comprising people with loved ones with disabling mental illness, have appealed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification to look into the unscientific beliefs of schizophrenia depicted in the promos of the film, which the group claims violates the dignity of people living with the disease.

The film is purportedly about a late Bollywood actress who struggled with schizophrenia, a very debilitating brain illness. "The promos and the interviews depict a person with schizophrenia in a stereotyped manner with untreated symptoms. The message that goes across is one of neglect, abandonment, hopelessness and despair in the lives of those who struggle with the illness,'' said Torchbearers member Rukmini Pillai. "We live in a time where films have helped a great deal in creating awareness of diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, cancer and HIV/AIDS that have helped people in seeking treatment for their condition. However, people suffering from mental illnesses continue to be portrayed in an outrageously stereotyped manner in films and television serials. This in spite of the fact that these illnesses are treatable and patients can lead a normal lie with the help of medication, psychotherapy and the support of loved ones. Many patients even work,'' added Ms. Pillai.

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