Bollywood has evolved in its storytelling around mental health. Instead of relying on stigma and stereotypes, several films have taken a bold step in portraying psychological conditions with authenticity. Here are five Bollywood films that shine a light on mental health issues, offering emotional depth and awareness.
1. Dear Zindagi – Bollywood Film That Normalizes Depression and Therapy
Dear Zindagi (2016), starring Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan, revolves around Kaira, a young woman dealing with emotional burnout, insomnia, and anxiety. Through her therapy sessions with Dr. Jehangir Khan, she uncovers unresolved childhood trauma. This film plays a vital role in normalizing mental health treatment and highlights the importance of talking about depression and emotions in modern Indian society.
2. Taare Zameen Par – A Sensitive Bollywood Film on Dyslexia
Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par (2007) explores the life of Ishaan, a child struggling with dyslexia. Often misunderstood by his parents and teachers, Ishaan is labeled as lazy until a teacher recognizes his condition. The film emphasizes the need for empathy and special education for children with learning disabilities.
3. 15 Park Avenue – Bollywood Movie Exploring Schizophrenia
Directed by Aparna Sen, 15 Park Avenue (2005) features Konkona Sen Sharma as Meethi, a woman living with schizophrenia. The film masterfully captures her hallucinations and the emotional toll it takes on her family, especially her sister, played by Shabana Azmi. It’s a rare example of realistic schizophrenia portrayal in Indian films.
4. Karthik Calling Karthik – Hindi Thriller on Dissociative Identity Disorder
This 2010 psychological thriller follows Karthik (Farhan Akhtar), a man who receives mysterious calls from himself. Eventually diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), the film brings attention to the complexity of personality disorders. It blends cinematic suspense with a deeper message on mental healthcare.
5. My Name is Khan – Asperger’s Syndrome and Bollywood’s Neurodiverse Representation
In My Name is Khan (2010), Shah Rukh Khan plays Rizwan Khan, a man with Asperger’s Syndrome. The film portrays how neurodivergent individuals navigate life, relationships, and prejudice. Rizwan’s strength, clarity, and emotional depth offer an empathetic look at autism spectrum disorders in Indian cinema.
These Bollywood films are not just entertainment, they serve as powerful tools for mental health education and awareness. By bringing psychological issues into mainstream cinema, they help audiences understand the importance of empathy, therapy, and support.