The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Indian
Psychiatric Society have condemned the title and poster of a soon to be
released film “Mental Hai Kya”. They have also asked the producer of the film
to withdraw the trailer and also change the title and content, if it has any
such provocative sequence, dialogues or songs. The film is a dark comedy
centered on the lives of its two protagonists, both of whom show suicidal
tendencies.
The title of a recent film “PK” may be an oblique
reference to “somebody who is drunk”. Films like “Munna Bhai MBBS”, “Gabbar is
Back” had also projected the medical profession in a bad taste.
Under Section 92 (a, f) of the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities Act “whoever
intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a person with
disability in any place within public view shall be punishable with a jail term
of not less than six months, which may extend to five years, with fine.”
Films are usually a reflection of our society and
portray the changing times. They do create awareness about relevant prevailing
issues and often bring about much-needed change. “Rang de Basanti” was one such
film.
While artistes have the right to freedom of
expression, no profession or illness or disease should be shown in poor light.
To remove the stigma, the medical profession has
changed the terminologies from prostitute to commercial sex worker; physically
handicapped to differently abled; penis to the male organ; vagina to the female
organ; retarded to mentally challenged; addicted to dependent; hinjra to
transgender etc.
Mental illnesses still have a stigma attached to
them. For this reason, people still hesitate to share that they have a mental
illness and are reluctant to seek professional help.
The phrase “pagal hai kya” is used every now and
then in daily conversation. This is because the public is generally ignorant
about mental health issues. If the film is successful, “Mental Hai Kya” may
well become a part of common parlance or everyday speech.
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
President Elect Confederation of
Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania
(CMAAO)
Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President Heart Care Foundation of
India
Past National President
IMA
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