Complaint filed against Laal Singh Chaddha and Shabaash Mithu over humiliating differently-abled

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The portrayal of the differently-abled has been a rare sight in Indian cinema and the sensitivity towards the community that should be shown is lacking. With Laal Singh Chaddha widely portraying the autistic community on screen, there seemed to be a ray of hope. But it seems that something did not sit well with the differently abled community itself as the film along with Taapsee Pannu’s Shabaash Mithu has come under flak over ‘ridiculing’ comments made about the community.

The complaint was filed by the co-founder of Doctors with Disabilities, Dr Satendra Singh, who is 70% disabled in his locomotor function. According to his complaint, Singh alleged that both the film violated provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 through demeaning remarks against specially-abled people.

According to a report by PTI, the notice issued by the Court of Commissioners for people with disabilities on Dr Satendra Singh’s complaint was shared by him. However, there was no confirmation given by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The notice asked the makers of Laal Singh Chaddha and Shabhaash Mithu and the Union information and broadcasting ministry to give their comments about the complaint.

As per TOI, the complainant has raised his concern over the use of the term “langde/langdi” which is used as slang to intentionally humiliate someone instead of denoting a disability. The makers have been given 30 days to submit their responses.