Sitaare Zameen Par, Black, Paa, Barfi! Top 10 Bollywood Movies Based on Rare Diseases or Disorders

By Team Latestly June 16, 2025 Image Credit: Movie Stills

Bollywood has spotlighted rare diseases and disorders through several films over the years, helping raise awareness and understanding among audiences. Here are some notable examples: Image Credit: Movie Stills

Sitaare Zameen Par (2025) – Down Syndrome

Aamir Khan’s film focusses on people with Down Syndrome, aiming to promote understanding and equality for those born special. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Black (2005) – Alzheimer’s Disease

In Black, Amitabh Bachchan battles Alzheimer’s Disease, a progressive brain disorder. The film portrays the emotional and mental toll of the condition with powerful performances. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Taare Zameen Par (2007) – Dyslexia

A heartfelt drama about 8-YO Ishaan (Darsheel), who struggles with dyslexia, a learning disorder. His life changes when his art teacher (Aamir Khan) recognises his condition and helps him. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Paa (2009) – Progeria

It tells the story of 12-YO Auro (Amitabh Bachchan), who suffers from progeria but is intelligent and full of life. The rare genetic disorder causes rapid aging, making a child look much older than their age. Image Credit: Movie Stills

My Name is Khan (2010) – Asperger’s Syndrome

It follows Rizwan (SRK), a man with Asperger’s syndrome—a form of autism that affects social interaction and causes repetitive behaviour. Despite challenges, he embarks on a journey to deliver a message of love and peace. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Guzaarish (2010) – Quadriplegia

Hrithik Roshan plays a magician who turns quadriplegic after an accident, paralysed from the neck down. The film explores his struggles and raises the issue of mercy killing. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Barfi! (2012) – Autism

Priyanka Chopra plays a girl with autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, while Ranbir Kapoor portrays a deaf-mute man. Barfi! showcases love and life beyond physical and mental challenges. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Hichki (2018) – Tourette Syndrome

Rani Mukerji plays a determined young teacher suffering from Tourette syndrome, a condition of the nervous system that causes people to have tics. The film shows how she inspires students. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Ahaan (2019) – Down Syndrome and OCD

The Netflix film is about a man with obsessive compulsive disorder, who discovers a surprising friendship with his neighbour, a young man suffering from Down Syndrome. Image Credit: Movie Stills

Margarita with a Straw (2014) – Cerebral Palsy

Kalki Koechlin plays the role of a girl suffering from cerebral palsy. The film narrates her struggles with normal activities and the relationships in her life. Image Credit: Movie Stills More Stories