Binging on Bollywood!

Ever since I can remember, I've been a Bollywood buff. Ask my best friend and she’ll?vouch for my never-ending Bollywood fascination! From being captivated by Sri Devi's brilliant performances to dancing along to? item numbers with questionable lyrics, Bollywood's magic is undeniable.

?A recent weekend discovery on Amazon Prime left me pleasantly surprised and? impressed. Brace yourself for "Bawal," a hidden gem of a movie that tackles the sensitive topic of chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases.?

?Cinema holds a special place for the masses in the subcontinent. For the the majority, a Friday night Bollywood release serves as an escape from the clutches of chronic poverty, pervasive corruption, and now, the ever-looming aftermaths of environmental disasters. That's why "Bawal" deserves applause—it fearlessly dives into the realm of destigmatizing diseases and promoting self acceptance. A bold move indeed on the part of the producers and screenwriters to create awareness for their impressionable audience.?

?Following is a ?sneak peek into the story set in the vibrant city of Lucknow, India. Cautionary note: spoilers ahead.?

?The story starts with a guy who thrives on external validation, seeking approval obsessively from others to define his worth and promote a pseudo “heroic” self image. Fate has something unexpected in store for him when he crosses paths with a beautiful woman who turns his world upside.?

?Typically in Bollywood movies, the “hero” is a male protagonist. This time though, the “hero” is a life lesson.?

?"Bawal" is the inspiring journey of a beautiful lady who faces a chronic medical condition, Epilepsy, head-on.

?A culture that forbids women from being anything besides perfect, she accepts her health constraints with grace and never plays victim. Well-versed in her medical condition, she understands the risks involved, and fearlessly embraces life. This is a powerful reminder that if we set the intention, we can overcome obstacles and move forward, no matter what challenges come our way.

?She encounters setbacks and hurdles, but never loses her determination. Even when she experiences a seizure on her wedding day, she chooses to carry on, displaying courage and resilience. Grit then shines through as another key lesson.?

?With grace and grit, she focuses on making the best out of every situation. For example, taking a trip to Europe with a lousy partner, yet having the best touristic experience. Or finding creating ways to heating food without utensils. For every challenge, she finds a way to weave the best possible outcome. ?

Now I understand that this is all fiction and real life is perhaps less serendipitous, but in today's world, where filters and superficiality? dominate, we often seek validation externally, and that disconnects us from the power within ourselves. "Bawal" encourages the audience to look inward and tap into their inner strength.

?While "Bawal" may not be flawless and may handle a serious underlying theme with carelessness, the key message remains powerful. It serves as a reminder to embrace life's challenges, seek strength within ourselves, and approach each day with grace, grit and gratitude.?

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