Last week we took to the example of Ravindra Jain, the Maestro who was visually impaired and handicapped. His example can bring inspiration to many, but real problem lies in the mindset of people perceiving them as weak and needy. The underrepresentation and lack of opportunities for disabled individuals in Bollywood is a significant issue. To address this morally and ethically, the industry and society must adopt a more inclusive approach. Here are some possible solutions: Equal Chances for Everyone The film and music sectors ought to focus on employing professionals for their skills instead of their physical capabilities. Skill, imagination, and dedication are what genuinely characterize an artist, and these ought to be the main standards for choice. Regrettably, numerous talented people with disabilities face difficulties in securing jobs due to the absence of inclusive hiring practices in the industry. Casting directors, music producers, and production companies need to make concerted efforts to adopt more equitable hiring practices. A key method to guarantee equitable opportunities is by instituting quotas for disabled actors, directors, writers, and technicians. By reserving a specific percentage of positions for people with disabilities, the sector can assist in disrupting the cycle of exclusion. Nevertheless, inclusion shouldn’t merely be procedural; emotional inclusion holds equal significance. Establishing a workplace where disabled individuals feel appreciated and at ease is equally important as offering them opportunities. By promoting respectful dialogue and removing any feelings of exclusion, Bollywood should aim to build a genuinely inclusive industry. Open Infrastructure If Bollywood genuinely starts to acknowledge and welcome disabled talent, it should also create a system that facilitates their involvement in the industry. In the absence of appropriate physical arrangements, individuals with disabilities find it challenging to perform their jobs effectively and comfortably. Studios, recording booths, and film sets must have ramps, accessible seating, assistive technology, and additional essential facilities to support individuals with physical disabilities. Through these modifications, the sector will ensure that disabled workers have access, while also motivating others to step forward without worrying about logistical issues. Another important factor is transportation. Numerous disabled artists struggle to participate in auditions, shoots, and industry gatherings because of insufficient accessible transportation. The movie industry ought to offer dedicated transportation options to assist Shifting Perception In Bollywood, able-bodied actors frequently portray disabled characters. Although these performances might receive acclaim for their emotional richness, they deprive genuine disabled actors of opportunities to portray these roles with authenticity. This behavior is not just unjust but also conveys the idea that the industry lacks faith in the capabilities of disabled actors. If a character has a disability, the part should be given to someone who truly understands and faces those difficulties. In addition to casting decisions, the representation of disabled people in films needs to transform. Frequently, disabled characters are portrayed as sources of sympathy, merely grappling with their disability. This depiction reinforces stereotypes and alienates disabled people from conventional society.tion of artists, directors, and technicians with disabilities. Such funds can also be used for their training and other ancillary supports that are needed generally in the practice of making films. Rather, Bollywood ought to showcase them as competent, self-reliant persons with unique strengths, aspirations, and obstacles. Representation ought to empower rather than oppress. Movies ought to portray disabled characters as accomplished professionals, romantic interests, or even as action heroes, just like any other roles. Altering the narrative will not only foster improved opportunities for disabled performers but will also transform how viewers understand disability. Support from Financial and Institutional Sources Insufficient financial assistance is a significant barrier hindering disabled individuals from leaving their imprint in Bollywood. Numerous skilled artists, directors, and technicians with disabilities find it difficult to finance essential training, equipment, or chances to present their work. To close this gap, Bollywood ought to create specific funds and scholarships to assist aspiring professionals with disabilities. Genuine inclusivity in Bollywood necessitates a major transformation in both attitudes and frameworks. From equitable hiring practices and inclusive workplaces to proper representation and financial assistance, every facet of the industry must transform to guarantee disabled individuals obtain equal opportunities. Disability ought to be viewed not as a restriction but as an aspect of the human experience. Talent manifests in various forms, and the industry needs to acknowledge, value, and cultivate it without bias. By implementing these measures, Bollywood can serve as a model for the world, demonstrating that genuine storytelling revolves around authenticity, inclusivity, and empowerment. Change has been needed for a long time, and the moment to take action is here. Keep Reading Foramz for your daily dose of moral support.
Written by Mira
In the last week, we discussed in detail how people with disability face several hurdles in the challenging industry of Bollywood. Where there is a will, there is a way. Despite the challenges, some people have strived harder and soared in the skies in Bollywood. We can take inspiration from them. This is Foramz and today, we will be exploring the story of Ravindra Jain who with his talent has excelled in the music industry. Ravindra Jain was born in Uttar Pradesh to a middle-class Jain family. He was discovered with his prodigious talent very early in life by his parents. His father was a Sanskrit scholar and inculcated values of perseverance and discipline into him. The emerging talent learned classical music from Pandit G.L. Jain and Janardhan Sharma and honed his craft with dedication. Jain did not let his disability define him. Instead, he used it as a source of strength to channel his energy into creating melodies that would touch hearts. His blindness never became an obstacle to his creativity or his ability to compose complex pieces of music. Ravindra Jain started his career in Mumbai, the city of dreams, with nothing but his talent and determination. In an industry known for its fierce competition, his melodious compositions soon carved a niche. His breakthrough came with the film “Saudagar” (1973), where his soulful compositions caught the audience’s attention. He became a household name with “Chitchor” (1976), a film whose music captured the essence of simplicity and love. The songs, including “Jab Deep Jale Aana,” remain evergreen classics. Jain’s ability to blend Indian classical music with modern cinematic styles made him one of the most sought-after composers of his time. While Jain’s contributions to Bollywood were immense, his devotional music stood out as a significant part of his legacy. He remains the best ever composer for Ramanand Sagar’s television epic “Ramayan.” His bhajans and background scores helped make this series a classic one, making him reach every home and generation of viewers. Millions continue to inspire faith and devotion through his devotional compositions. He even won several awards for his work, including the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” (1985), and Padma Shri in 2015, one of India’s highest civilian honors. What makes Ravindra Jain’s story inspirational is his refusal to be held by such societal limitations. He managed to peak in an industry where perfection often takes the form of a perfect body. The melodies he created reflected his inner strength and how he could see beauty in the world through his music, which he could not see with his eyes. He passed away on October 9, 2015, but his music lives on, continuing to inspire and uplift. Ravindra Jain proved that talent, when coupled with hard work and resilience, can break every barrier. Jain’s life illustrates how physical handicaps are just no match to the strength and will of mind. His passion for music spurred him to strive and overcome any obstacles. Successful though he had become, Jain never lost himself but always placed the credit to God’s bounty for his good fortunes. Ravindra Jain is a song of hope, the rhythm of perseverance, and the composition of faith in oneself. His life story reminds anyone who is facing challenges that it is not impossible provided the individual is determined, dedicated, and persevering. Seeking inspiration from people like him will help us do better in life. Drawing inspiration from his life, let’s foster a better society for them. Despite the challenges, people with disabilities face, talent and dedication find their way in life. Keep Reading Foramz for your daily dose of Moral support.
Written by Mira
In the last week, we saw the state of disabled people and their conditions in Bollywood. Bollywood is an industry where making your name is already a challenging feat. As an aspiring with a disability, it becomes testing to bag a trusting job in Bollywood. Known for its unpredictable and risky job stigma, Bollywood became a place where most people with networks make it easily. Despite India being home to over 26 million people with disabilities (According to the 2011 census), people with employment in Bollywood are scarce. The portrayal and treatment of disabled individuals in Bollywood has been a contentious issue, reflecting border societal attitudes and systemic problems. To resolve any social issue, it is important to understand exactly what are the issues faced by people with Disabilities. This is Foramz and today we will discuss the issues with the handicapped or specially abled in Bollywood. Typical Sympathy portrayal. If you notice, disabled characters are often depicted as objects of pity, charity, or inspiration which reinforces harmful stereotypes. Society is largely influenced by cinema, hence, we end up forming their image as people who need pity or charity. Are they not capable of achieving complex feats apart from their disabilities? Absolutely no. People with disabilities are prone to have more willpower and dedication. Films like Black and Paa revolve around disabilities but are often romanticized or exaggerated to create dramatic effects. Lack of Authentic Representation. Behind the scenes, the film industry remains inaccessible to disabled professionals due to infrastructural, cultural, and attitudinal barriers. Imagine, not being able to find a job because you faced an unfortunate accident. t a feeling of utter helplessness. Despite that, people with disabilities rise from their physical flaws and dare to soar but practical difficulties come in their way. The film Industry remains a space where opportunities are plenty but grabbing them is a challenging task. There are limited opportunities for disabled actors, writers, directors, or crew members. After waiting in line for hours, calling and pitching countless times, there are instances that the filmmakers do not prioritize people with disability regardless of their talent. They have a mindset that it is taxing to work with people with such disabilities. It is important to notice that they deserve a chance too. It is not only about chance, it is about the life and future of an individual. Insensitive Humour Bollywood is incomplete without comedy movies, but there are times when the jokes become insensitive and normalized behind an ethically faulty dogma. For instance, in Housefull 3, the male protagonist is faking various disabilities such as blindness, muteness, and paralysis to gain sympathy and manipulate others. This creates a slapstick comedy out of conditions faced in real life. Such portrayal makes the audience believe that people with disabilities are people who crave sympathy instead of empowerment. This insensitivity towards disability not only normalizes ridicule but also undermines efforts to foster respect and understanding towards disabled communities. It is simple, imagine a person giving you words of sympathy, like it’s okay or you will be fine when you are completely fine. It will make you question yourself whether you are fine or not. The same is true in this case, Disabled communities do not need sympathy because they have accepted their condition. Inaccurate Storytelling Disablities are often poorly researched and misrepresented which leads to misconceptions in people’s minds. Thereby forming a different perception of them and treating them accordingly which is far from reality. For instance, mental health conditions are sometimes dramatized in ways that are not completely true or lack information. This stigmatizes those who experience them. The issues lie in perception. If the way society thinks of them does not change, their issues will never be completely resolved. It is important to see them as they are without forming assumptions about their condition. Prejudice and Discrimination Casting directors and Filmmakers may hold biases believing disabled people might not be capable of fulfilling roles or demanding higher accommodations. Many in the industry prioritize physical perfection and conventional beauty standards which marginalize disabled artists. It is important to acknowledge their talent. Society expects picture-perfect handsome and beautiful actors on-screen which creates unseen expectations for the filmmakers. This results in limited opportunities for disabled people to make it on-screen. Behind the Camera Scenes Jobs like direction, editing, scriptwriting, and production often require long hours of work and are physically demanding work environments. This factor may not be welcoming disabled professionals. The lack of mentorship programs or training initiatives adds up to the issue. Even disabled professionals need training and the right guidance to thrive as much as a healthy-bodies professional needs. Behind the camera, jobs have more people in line. hence, the competition is fierce but there are instances where disabled professionals don’t get a chance to show their skills. Economic Instability Bollywood is a highly competitive and informal market where networking and connections secure jobs and opportunities. Connections and networking often outweigh merit and talent. Disabled individuals lack access to these connections and networks further reducing their chances to reach their professional goals. Studios may perceive accommodations as an additional expense which discourages them from hiring disabled professionals. The issue lies in the roots of the people’s perception. To foster inclusivity and equal opportunities for everyone it is essential to understand disabled individuals. It is important to not judge on their disabilities and to have an open mind while hiring. In the next week, we will look at real-life examples of people with disabilities and how they face struggles and rise with immense willpower. Keep Reading Foramz for your daily dose of moral support.
Written by Mira
Bollywood is also known as a destination where dreams are created. The glamorous world has tremendous opportunities to offer from fame, and power to a creative platform for expression, it is all an individual could ever dream about. But are these opportunities accessible to everyone in the country? This is Foramz and today we will talk about how Physically disabled people struggle for an opportunity in the so-called hub of dreams- Bollywood. While there has been a gradual shift of the dreamland towards inclusiveness and diverse representation in cinema, the opportunities for people with disabilities remain limited as these passionate and determined individuals live in the hope of a better future. This disparity stems from societal prejudices, lack of infrastructure,, and stereotypes in storytelling. Bollywood as an industry is widely versatile and have varied job profiles available. Despite such a large vacancies, people who are handicapped yet talented fail to get the opportunity that they deserve. Call it biased society or the authorities mindset of underestimating the talent, it is a social issue which ruins talent and lives. Mumbai the city of dreams, promises hope, fame and money to all but the one who had the courage to leave their hometowns, families and make a career in the city that never sleeps now know why the city never sleeps. It is because the city keeps the dreamers awake, awake until it is dawn and have to work again, awake in thoughts of survival, awake in the memories of their families, awake in the worry of an unmarried sister, awake in the stress of getting the role, awake in striving for that position, awake in proving their worth. People privileged with their healthy bodies do strive but people with physical liabilities have to strive harder. People who don’t have a prosthetic leg work hard but people with a prosthetic leg face issues in walking hard. The difference is that they face great hurdles in performing day to day tasks with ease. Bollywood is well known as a place uninviting for outsiders. People with contacts and networking can get opputunities but people who become handicapped in a tragic incident do not have contacts. Does that mean that they will live a life full of false hopes and sympathies ? Obviously No ! Such people do lose an ability but have mental strength like any other. Their will power is strong but no one can survive in Bolywood only on will. Albeit portrayed by a non-disabled actors, films have been released which depict the struggles of disabled individuals. Advocacy groups and disabilty rights activists push for more inclusivity in casting, scriptwriting and production. Yet the progess remains slow and sporadic which reefelcts socety’s attitides towards disability. Behind the scenes, the hurdles are no less daunting. Basic amenities like wheelchair access, assistive technologies, and supportive work environments are often absent, making it harder for disabled individuals to fully participate in the industry. Lets assume somehow they do get a meaningful opputunity but later, they are bound to face widespread stigma and are often typecast or sidelined, without opputunities to meaningful roles or opputunities. To transform the state of handicapped individuals in Bollywood, systemic reforms are essential. These include proactive casting of disabled actors, making production environments more accessible, and challenging stereotypes through thoughtful and accurate storytelling. Only then can Bollywood become a truly inclusive industry that values talent and creativity over physical abilities Societal attitude towards disabilities compound a problem. There is a perception that individuals with disabilities are less capable of performing more demanding tasks associated with fimlmaking, whteehr on screeen or behinf the camera. This misconception has pushed the opputunities in another direction leaving such talented people without a chance to prove them. All they need is a chance to prove themselves Furthermore, societal attitudes compound the problem. There is a perception that individuals with disabilities are less capable of performing the demanding tasks associated with filmmaking, whether on screen or behind the camera. This misconception fosters an environment where handicapped individuals are overlooked or underestimated, irrespective of their skills or qualifications. This was a glimpse in the life of people with disabilities and their struggles to make it in the bollywood industry. Next time we will be discussing depth about how these struggles are a part of a larger social issue. Keep Reading Foramz for you daily dose of moral support.