Screening With Soul—Sitaare Zameen Par Finds Its True Audience in Kolkata’s Kids

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On July 12, 2025, over 200 specially-abled and neurodivergent children lit up the halls of Quest Mall, Kolkata, during a heartwarming special screening of Aamir Khan’s film Sitaare Zameen Par. Organized by Ek Packet Umeed in collaboration with the India Autism Centre (IAC) and supported by FICCI FLO Kolkata, the event was a celebration of inclusion, empathy, and cinematic representation.

Event Highlights

The screening featured soft lighting, quiet zones, and trained volunteers, creating a sensory-friendly environment for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions2.

Children received gifts and interacted with dignitaries including Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister-in-Charge, and actress Koel Mallick, who praised the film’s message and spent time with attendees4.

“This wasn’t just a movie—it was a mirror,” said one parent, reflecting on the emotional impact of seeing neurodivergent characters portrayed authentically on screen.

About the Film

Directed by R.S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is a sports comedy drama that follows a suspended basketball coach who trains a team of players with intellectual disabilities. The film features 10 neurodivergent individuals playing themselves, marking a shift in Bollywood’s approach to representation. It is considered a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par.

Why It Matters

For many children, this was the first time seeing themselves on screen—not as background characters, but as central figures in the story.
The event reinforced the message: “Sabka Apna Apna Normal”, a motto of the IAC and the film’s core theme.
Some children even wrote letters to Aamir Khan, expressing their joy and connection to the film’s characters.

Voices from the Community

“We want our daughter to be seen as a young woman, not just a ‘special kid’. This film got that right,” said Shalini Mustafi, mother of 14-year-old Nikita. “Reyansh saw someone like him—speaking, laughing, and playing basketball. It was very relatable,” added Sohini Roy, mother of an 11-year-old attendee.

Sources: MSN, The Telegraph, India Blooms, Times of India