The Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCCD) has issued a notice to directors of 2 films (Amir Khan starrer Laal Singh Chaddha and Tapasi Pannu starrer Shabaash Mithu), Central Board of Film Certification and Union Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for allowing/using demeaning language such as “langde/langdi” (crippled) towards people with disabilities in said movies.
Taking cognizance of complaint filed by Dr Satendra Singh, who has 70 per cent locomotor disability and is also a disability rights activist, the CCCD has asked respondents to file their reply within next 30 days. Dr Singh felt that such apathetic insensitive attitude towards sector must be curbed as expression involving word “langde” is not normally used to denote a disability but to intentionally insult and humiliate someone. He alleged that usage of word in both films amounted to “ridiculing” persons with disabilities.
Singh has asserted that “cinema is responsible for perpetuating stereotypes, and more often than not, people with disabilities are at receiving end”. Dr Singh pointed out that though CBFC has issued a circular on list of objectionable words that are not to be admitted under any category of certificate, that list does not feature any of foul words directed at people with disabilities.
CCCD has sought from the directors of the two films comments on the complaint on affidavit along with all the requisite documents to substantiate their claim.
In his complaint dated August 17, Singh submitted that in the Aamir Khan starrer "Laal Singh Chaddha" a group of bullies in the scene threaten young Laal by throwing stones at him and by shouting "pakad langde ko".
“Taapsee Pannu-starrer “Shabaash Mithu” has a song "Masti Takita Dhum with the lyrics: Atki jo tangadi, gol gattam khali, Ho gayi langdi (The world spun as I tripped, Can’t stop limping enough),” Singh stated.
“The usage of such words by non-disabled people is an act of insult, abuse, and derision. Calling a person "langda" in the legislation for the sector is, nowadays, an abusive language and is highly offensive,” Dr Singh pointed out.