CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A lot of us would know what it’s like to celebrate Rakshabandhan with our siblings. But what’s it like with a sibling who is… different? This Rakshabandhan, a powerful new film challenges societal stigmas by bringing to light the often-hidden world of siblings with disabilities and neurodivergence.
Directed by Media Entrepreneur Aditi Gangrade, ‘Growing Up With A Sibling With A Disability’ speaks to three pairs of Gen Z siblings about their experiences growing up, understanding disability and neurodiversity, supporting and fighting for their beloved siblings, and – from time to time – fighting with them too! The film features three individuals with autism, two with ADHD and one with epilepsy, and speaks to them and their siblings about their experiences in Indian households, schools, playgrounds, and other environments. In a society where disabilities are frequently misunderstood and overlooked, this film offers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of sibling relationships where either one or both siblings are disabled. Through candid moments, shared memories, and heartfelt interactions, the film showcases how these siblings, like any others, engage in the timeless rituals of fighting, loving, and protecting each other — emphasising that care and support are never a one-way street.
Produced in collaboration with the Mumbai-based non-profit Ummeed Child Development Center, the film is a part of the Developmental Disabilities India (DDI) initiative, supported by HAB Pharmaceuticals and Research Ltd. DDI is an effort to demystify disabilities and neurodivergence for Indians through easy-to-understand social content featuring experts, caregivers, as well as people who have lived experience of disabilities and neurodivergence. This is the third film by Much Much Spectrum released as part of the DDI initiative. The first two – ‘Stop Bullying Disabled People – Eye-opening stories of young people with disabilities’ and ‘Celebrating Neurodiversity Through Art: Autistic singers, dancers & down syndrome model’ – were released earlier this year, and have got over 2.5 million views and 5,000+ shares since their release.
