Bollywood and Mental Health: What Are We Really Learning?
Introduction
Mental health has emerged as a pressing concern in contemporary society, garnering attention across media, academia, and public discourse. In India, where stigma around mental well-being continues to persist, mainstream cinema, especially Bollywood, plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions. With its massive influence and reach, Bollywood possesses the unique power to educate, inform, and influence public attitudes toward mental health and over the past decade, we’ve seen a gradual but meaningful shift in how mental health is portrayed on screen, raising both hopes and questions. This blog explores how Bollywood addresses mental health, what themes it highlights, and what we, as audiences, can learn from it and how it’s impacted our outlook towards mental health.
Movie References: Exploring Mental Health Through Film
Many Bollywood films have directly tackled mental health themes with varying degrees of depth, empathy, and impact, and some among them are Dear Zindagi, Chhichhore, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan each offering unique perspectives on psychological well-being with the essence of entertainment.
Dear Zindagi (2016):
Directed by Gauri Shinde, Dear Zindagi follows Kaira (Alia Bhatt), a young cinematographer grappling with anxiety, abandonment issues, and emotional burnout. Her journey toward healing begins when she meets Dr. Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a therapist who helps her explore her childhood trauma and dysfunctional relationships. The film stands out for its normalized portrayal of therapy presenting it not as a sign of weakness but as a valuable path to self-understanding.
Chhichhore (2019):
This coming-of-age drama, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, addresses mental health in the context of academic pressure and suicide. The story oscillates between the college days of a group of friends and their adult lives, triggered by the suicide attempt of a young student. Through humor and nostalgia, the film delivers a powerful message about failure, resilience, and emotional support systems.
Barfi! (2012):
The movie Barfi! explores themes of mental health through its portrayal of neurodivergent characters & emotional vulnerability. Jhilmil, who lives with autism, challenges the stereotypical notions of love, communication, & independence. The film invites viewers to rethink what “normal” means and how society often marginalizes those who don’t fit expected molds.
Key Themes in Bollywood’s Mental Health Narratives
Bollywood’s portrayal of mental health, while still evolving, has increasingly focused on several critical themes that mirror real-world challenges and conversations.
1. Breaking the Stigma:
Historically, mental illness in Indian films was either villainized or exaggerated. Recent narratives, however, strive to humanize those struggling with mental health, as seen in Dear Zindagi. By showcasing therapy sessions, the film helps dismantle the taboo around seeking professional help, an important step in normalizing mental health discussions.
2. Awareness and Education:
Films like Chhichhore not only present mental health issues but also attempt to educate audiences about their root causes such as societal expectations, academic pressure, and lack of emotional literacy. These films serve as catalysts for broader conversations in homes and classrooms.
3. Self-Discovery and Healing:
Several stories chart the protagonist’s journey from emotional turmoil to personal growth. In Dear Zindagi, Kaira’s therapy sessions act as stepping stones toward healing. These narratives often emphasize introspection, resilience, and emotional vulnerability traits rarely glorified in older Bollywood storytelling.
4. Neurodiversity and Acceptance:
Barfi! presents a tender, non-stereotypical portrayal of neurodivergent characters. Jhilmil, who is on the autism spectrum, is not shown as broken or in need of fixing- she is simply different. The film explores love, connection, and trust beyond verbal communication and neurotypical norms, inviting viewers to see disability and difference through a more human and empathetic lens.
Complexities and Criticisms
Despite notable progress, Bollywood’s portrayal of mental health is not without its shortcomings. One major concern is the tendency to oversimplify complex issues. For example, Dear Zindagi, while groundbreaking, wraps up years of emotional trauma in just a few therapy sessions, potentially leading viewers to develop unrealistic expectations about the therapeutic process.
Moreso, films sometimes lean on stereotypes or use mental illness as a plot device rather than treating it with the nuance it deserves. Characters with mental illnesses have often been portrayed as violent, irrational, or pitiable reinforcing harmful biases. Even well-meaning films may struggle to balance authenticity with the commercial need for entertainment and resolution, leading to unrealistic portrayals that could distort public understanding.
One more issue is the lack of diverse representation. Mental health issues affect people across socioeconomic backgrounds, yet Bollywood’s narratives often focus on urban, upper-middle-class characters. This limits the conversation and excludes many whose experiences are shaped by poverty, caste, and rural settings.
Conclusion: What Are We Really Learning?
Bollywood’s evolving engagement with mental health reflects a broader cultural shift, one that is both promising and incomplete. Through films like Dear Zindagi, Chhichhore, and Barfi!, audiences are invited to reconsider long-held stigmas, empathize with psychological struggles, and embrace the value of mental well-being.
A good number of Bollywood films have attempted to address mental health vulnerabilities with sensitivity, a significant disconnect remains between cinematic portrayals and mainstream media coverage. Many independent and regional films explore mental health with nuance and empathy, but these stories often go unnoticed due to lack of publicity and distribution. Mainstream media tends to spotlight either the star power behind a film or its entertainment value, rather than engaging with the deeper issues it addresses. This skewed representation limits public discourse and reinforces the notion that mental health narratives are niche or secondary.
With that being said to foster true awareness, Bollywood must move beyond surface-level depictions and invest in more authentic, research-informed storytelling. Greater collaboration with mental health professionals, inclusion of diverse narratives, and sustained focus on emotional depth could transform Bollywood into a more powerful ally in India’s mental health movement.
As viewers, we have a responsibility, too, to engage critically with what we watch, start conversations, and advocate for mental wellness in our own lives and communities. Bollywood may not have all the answers, but it can certainly help us start asking the right questions.
