World Bank studies representations of disabled people in Bollywood films

The Indian government commissioned the World Bank study, which reported that, in particular, the "characterisations of disabled women in 'modern myth machine' Bollywood are not strong enough, though Indian films as a whole have tried to 'enhance' society’s 'sensitivity,'" according to a Feb. 6 story in The Calcutta Telegraph.

The World Bank report said, "despite filmdom’s efforts to sensitise the public, people with disabilities in India were 'among the most excluded in society.'"

The report noted several films that did a good job of providing accurate portrayals of people with disabilities. “'Lagaan' is an excellent example of a mainstream film that has highlighted the process of inclusion of a Dalit disabled person,” the report said. Another film noted was "Taare Zameen Par," which focuses on a child with dyslexia and how those around him learn to accept him.