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Depiction of Psychological Disorders in Bollywood

Riti Pani & Ragini Chaudhari

FLAME University

PSYC207 Abnormal Psychology

Dr. Moulika Mandal

3 February, 2024
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Depiction of Psychological Disorders in Bollywood

The media has never failed to surprise humans by portraying real-world problems. The issue

arises because the media tends to retreat from the originality of the content and sometimes

present it in a controllable setting that is manipulated by them. Movies are one such form of

media. It is almost amusing to believe that movies inspired by a true stor also sometimes redirect

their path to the audience, and unfortunately fade away from the facts.

In an interesting argument, Bollywood's depiction of mental illness frequently suffers from false

depictions, which has serious repercussions. First, these representations support negative

preconceptions that can lead to prejudice and stigma in society, such as the idea that people with

mental illnesses are aggressive or despondent. This impedes attempts to foster acceptance and

understanding and perpetuates myths about mental health. Second, exaggerated depictions may

minimize the seriousness of mental diseases by romanticizing or making them seem readily

treated. This might discourage people who are dealing with mental health difficulties from

getting the help or assistance they need by setting unreasonable expectations for them and their

families. Bollywood loses a chance to foster compassion and understanding by misrepresenting

the realities of individuals who suffer from mental illness. Rather, it puts vulnerable people in

danger of marginalization and alienation.

Representation of mental illnesses in Bollywood has been a mixed bag but it has evolved over

the years from showcasing disorders in a stereotypical manner to a more nuanced and realistic

one. Historically, Indian cinema has been less sympathetic to mental health issues as compared to

Western cinema. According to Dr. Bhugra, Indian cinema lags more than three decades behind in

accurately depicting mental illnesses in films (Bhugra, 2017).

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In its early years, Bollywood showcased mental illnesses as hostile and stigmatised. People with

mental illnesses and psychological disorders were portrayed as unpredictable, violent, and were

often portrayed as antagonists reinforcing stigmas and misconceptions. The focus of the movies

was more on the storyline and the mental illness of the characters was only to support the

dramatic effect. In movies like "Darr," "Anjaam," and "Baazigar," the protagonists suffering from

psychological issues are depicted as villains who committed heinous crimes which were driven

by mental instability. This amplifies the prejudices against the community and delays in the

treatment process. In movies, the treatments are shown as means of punishment and torture,

which involves a lot of dramatization and is entirely false.

Bollywood has also in multiple instances showcased mental illnesses in a comedic and dramatic

manner. Movies like “Housefull 3”, “Judwaa 2”, “Phir Hera Pheri”, “Golmal Returns”, and many

mor, have used mental illnesses to their comedic favor. By using mental illness as a comedic

device, the films show great insensitivity towards people who struggle with these disorders in

real life and reinforces stigmas and subverts the fight for understanding.and

accepting.individuals with mental illnesses.

The filmmakers of the psychological horror comedy "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" tried to depict

Dissociative Identity Disorder, but failed to accurately represent the disorder. While the film is

remembered for its comedic and horror bits, it falls short in its portrayal of the mental condition,

giving it very little importance. DID is a complex condition and requires a sensitive portrayal.

The film fails to highlight the complexities of the disorder by presenting it as something

paranormal which adds to the common misconception of mental illnesses as being “possessed”

or “pagal”. Such portrayal leads to all scientific work of mental health professionals being

ignored and mentally ill patients seen as “outsiders” to the society.

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Incorrect depictions like in these movies have real life implications on people who live with

these disorders and on audiences who do not have correct information about mental health issues

and view movies as their sole bible. Filmmakers in Bollywood have also often portrayed doctors

as "conspirators" and the treatment process as a "conspiracy" (Bhugra, 2017) This leads to

limited insights on the patients and their path to recovery, creating a taboo around the subject of

mental health.

While some movies have failed to accurately present psychological conditions, Bollywood has

made progress in a handful of films to provide a real life picture. Filmmakers have started to

focus on the emotional and psychological struggles of the characters, providing a more realistic

portrayal of mental health issues. This has not only helped to reduce the stigma surrounding

mental illnesses and has encouraged more people to seek help but also helped encourage

conversations about mental health issues in society.

“Taare Zameen Par” is one such movie which has left a profound impact on its audience about

learning disorders. The movie is a touching reminder to understand and address mental and

emotional needs of children. “Karthik Calling Karthik” beautifully depicts DID and

schizophrenia and how unresolved trauma can impact one's identity. It delves into the daily life

and relationships of a person suffering and urges its audience to not shy away from seeking help.

The movie "My Name Is Khan" received praise for its precise and sensitive portrayal of

Asperger's syndrome. The film highlights the character's unique perspective and showcases his

strengths. The movie challenges stereotypes towards neurodivergent individuals by emphasising

on his compassion and determination. The film humanizes the character and contributes to an

empathetic and inclusive understanding of mental health conditions.

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The main motive of film makers is to provide entertaining movies to attract more TRP. However,

it is also their responsibility to provide correct information. Hindi cinema has a strong hold on its

audience and can reinforce perceptions and attitudes on them with just one movie. Making films

with an accurate display of mental illness motivates the audience to be aware of using proper

language and to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Film makers should

collaborate with mental health professionals to inspire positive portrayals of mental illness while

eradicating the negative ones. As society is becoming more aware of the importance of mental

health advocacy, it is essential for filmmakers to approach these topics with greater sensitivity,

and respect for experiences of individuals who continue to live with mental illness.

In summary, Bollywood's depiction of psychological disorders has come a long way from its

initial days of irresponsible portrayals. While progress has been made in addressing these

sensitive subjects with more compassion and accuracy, there is a continual need for more

informed and nuanced representations that can further educate and positively influence the public

perception surrounding mental health.

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References

Basu, P. (2021). View of unveiling the forbidden: Exploration of the uncanny “other” in

Bollywood films. https://bcsdjournals.com/index.php/ijecls/article/view/254/109

Bhagura, D. (2017, April 12). Exploring the portrayal of mental illness in Hindi cinema.

Professor Dinesh Bhugra.

http://dineshbhugra.net/uncategorized/exploring-the-portrayal-of-mental-illness-in-hind

i-cinema

Happitude Studio. (2023, July 7). Exploring the arch of representation of Mental Health in

Bollywood.

https://www.happitudestudio.com/representation-of-mental-health-in-bollywood/explor

ing-the-arch-of-representation-of-mental-health-in-bollywood/

K Ajay, A., J Raj, A., Unni R, G., Aiswarya, P. S., & M Chandran, S. (2022). View of portrayal

of mental health issues in Manichitrathazhu and Taarezameem Par.

https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/view/9700/6330

Laishram, S. (2015, January 4). Effect of representation of mental disorders in popular Indian

cinema. Academia.edu.

https://www.academia.edu/9999472/EFFECT_OF_REPRESENTATION_OF_MENTA

L_DISORDERS_IN_POPULAR_INDIAN_CINEMA

Pathak , A., & Biswal, R. (2021). Mental illness in Indian Hindi cinema: Production ... - sage

journals. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0253717620927869

Thacker, H. (2023, October 10). Mental health in Indian cinema: Portrayals, impact, and

changing narratives. The CSR Journal.

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https://thecsrjournal.in/mental-health-in-indian-cinema-portrayals-impact-and-changing

-narratives/