The leaders of the movie screening committee at the Department of English, MKBU, came up with a unique idea of screening a series of disability-themed movies. For this blog post, I will review the movie "Black" (2005), which explores the relationship between students and teachers.
What is Disability Studies?
Disability studies looks at how society, culture, politics, and economics affect the experience of disability. It began with disabled activists in the 1970s and opposes the medical view that sees disability as something to be fixed. Instead, it focuses on societal barriers and discrimination. By using disability studies to analyze literature, we can see how stories either support stereotypes or show disabled characters in a richer, more human light. This approach helps us understand disability better and fights for the rights and inclusion of disabled people in society.
The movie "Black," released in 2005 and directed by one of India's most acclaimed directors, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, stars Amitabh Bachchan as Debraj Sahai (the Teacher) and Rani Mukerji as Michelle (the Student). This film is adapted from the biographical work "The Story of My Life" by Helen Keller, wherein she recounts her challenging childhood as a blind and deaf girl and the transformative impact of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Since then, numerous writers and directors have adapted Keller's story, producing plays and movies inspired by her remarkable life.
"Black" tells the story of Michelle, a girl who has been blind and deaf since childhood, living in a world of darkness and isolation. Despite the love of her parents, she struggles with her inability to communicate and understand the world around her. She longs for more than just affection, she needs a mentor who can connect with her emotions and help her perceive the world through their eyes.
Dr. Debraj Sahai, portrayed as strict, caring, alcoholic, and suffering from Alzheimer's disease, enters Michelle's life at a crucial moment when she needs a friend and guide the most. The title of the movie holds symbolic meaning as Dr. Sahai becomes a beacon of light in Michelle's dark and melancholic existence. Initially, Michelle's father opposes Dr. Sahai's rigorous teaching methods and his drinking habit. However, witnessing the significant positive changes in Michelle's behavior and her way of life, he eventually grants permission for Dr. Sahai to become Michelle's teacher.
She later decides to study, and also graduates from B.A. honors.
Mr. Sahai teaches not for personal gain but out of a deep sense of dedication. He is like a guiding light for his students, bringing them knowledge and hope, even if it means he must endure hardship. Despite the challenges, he works tirelessly to help Michelle become more human and be treated with dignity, instead of being seen as insane or less than human. He firmly believes that nothing is impossible in this world.
However, Michelle's journey is far from easy, she faces numerous challenges on her path to knowledge. When Dr. Sahai steps in to help her, Michelle's progress is slow and fraught with difficulties. It takes her a considerable amount of time to learn her first word, which was 'W-A-T-E-R'. This breakthrough marks a turning point in Michelle's life, moving her forward into a new world filled with joy and a newfound language of hand signals.
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