Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par is all set to make a mark when it hits the theatres on June 20, 2025. It is inspired by Campeones, a 2018 Spanish film by Javier Fesser. But this Indian adaptation brings its unique soul and message. It aims to rewrite the rules of mainstream Bollywood. It does so through its heartfelt narrative and groundbreaking cast. What makes it special? It stars a group of actors with disabilities in lead roles. As a result, it makes a big move toward authentic representation on the big screen.
It is seen as the ‘spiritual successor’ to Khan’s Taare Zameen Par. However, the film goes beyond that. It invites a dialogue on inclusion. The placement of disabled actors at the forefront is a bold leap toward genuine inclusivity in Indian cinema. It had been a space which either marginalized or misrepresented differently-abled individuals. In the past, films such as Taare Zameen Par, Srikanth, and Nazar Andaz, featured able-bodied actors portraying disability. But this film gives the stage to real voices to tell their own stories. In doing so, it opens the door for acceptance and visibility of disabled individuals.
The Making of Sitaare Zameen Par
The making of the film was done with utmost care, sensitivity, and authenticity. The writer, Divy Nidhi Sharma and the director, R.S. Prasanna approached the project with a sense of responsibility. They collaborated with a special needs pediatrician, and a professional basketball coach. A large support team helped in training the cast, many of whom were first-time actors.
“More than 2,500 individuals with disabilities auditioned for the film, and ten were selected as the core cast,” said director Prasanna in an exclusive interview with IANS TV. “An additional 70 were cast to portray the opposing teams in the basketball tournament.”
He added, “The most important part of filming was creating a comfortable environment where all the sitaares (referring to the cast) were in their element.”
Aamir Khan’s involvement gave the film both momentum and visibility. It added to the deeply rooted vision. His director R.S. Prasanna revealed, “Aamir sir connected with the story from the very first narration and instantly came on board.” He created an atmosphere of warmth and comfort not just for the actors, but for the entire crew.
He has been a champion of socially conscious cinema, with acclaimed projects like Satyamev Jayate, PK, Taare Zameen Par, and Dangal. But Sitaare Zameen Par seems to be the pinnacle of his efforts to blend storytelling with social responsibility.
The inclusive casting helps normalize the presence of people with disabilities. Earlier, films often employed disability only to create drama or evoke pity. But Sitaare Zameen Par does things differently. It shows their lives as real, meaningful, and just as important as anyone else’s.
Meet the Sitaares
The heart of the film lies in its extraordinary cast. It stars ten neurodivergent adults, each with unique personalities, abilities, and stories. Besides, these individuals live with conditions like Down syndrome, autism, and invisible disabilities. They aren’t just playing characters but bringing their lives to the big screen.
- Ashish Pende is from Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. He plays Sunil Gupta, a security guard.
- Rishi Shahni has won gold and silver medals in swimming for India at the Special Olympics World Games in 1999. He plays the role of Sharmaji.
- Simran Mangeskar lives in Mumbai. He plays Golu Khan, a fierce, strong, and carefree woman.
- Gopikrishnan Varma is from Calicut, Kerala. He plays the role of Guddu, a boy who loves being covered in mud and is afraid of water.
- Aayush Bhansali is a Kathak dancer with distinction. He plays Lotus, a dye factory worker known for sporting a different hair colour every day.
- Aroush Datta, from Mumbai, plays Satbir, a mechanic who works with his Mamaji. He describes his experience of working in the film as a “rebirth”.
- Samvit Desai is also from Mumbai. He plays the role of Kareem Qureshi, who works at the Apsara Hotel.
- Rishabh Jain plays Raju, a gardener who owns a nursery.
- Vedant Sharma plays Bantu, a shy and reserved boy.
- Lastly, Naman Misra is from Gurugram. He plays Hargovind, a deeply insightful young man.
Early Reactions
Audiences are eagerly waiting for the magic this story will bring to the big screen. Moreover, early reactions have been quite positive. Many called it a “sure-shot blockbuster” and “an emotional rollercoaster.” Social media is buzzing with heartfelt stories. Now, people are sharing their own experiences and struggles with disability and society.
A line from the trailer stands out. Golu Khan says, “Hum jeetne ke liye aaye hain.” And surely, this film is set to win hearts and bring a breath of fresh air to Bollywood. So, grab your popcorn, and witness the magic unfold.
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