The court of chief commissioner of disabilities (CCCD) has issued a notice to the directors of Laal Singh Chaddha and Shabaash Mithu, asking them to submit their response within 30 days, to a complaint by a Delhi-based doctor with 70% locomotor disability. The doctor has questioned the use of word langade/langadi in the film, that translates to ‘crippled’ in English.
In his complaint, Dr. Satender Singh points out that the expression ‘langade’ was not normally used to denote a disability but to intentionally insult and humiliate someone. He alleged that the use of the word in both the films amounted to ridiculing persons with disabilities.
A disability rights activist, Singh asserted that “cinema is responsible for perpetuating stereotypes, and more often than not, people with disabilities are at the receiving end”.
The CCCD has also sought a reply from the Central Board of Film Certification and the I & B ministry.