Breaking the Mold: How SRK’s Dear Zindagi Revolutionized Mainstream Cinema’s View on Therapy

In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt’s collaboration in “Dear Zindagi” marked a groundbreaking shift, steering away from traditional narratives to delve into the unexplored realm of therapy. Directed by the visionary Gauri Shinde, the film not only captivated audiences with its refreshing storyline but also played a pivotal role in normalizing therapy within mainstream cinema.

Gauri Shinde, in a recent interview with a leading news portal, shared the intriguing backstory of how Shah Rukh Khan became a part of this transformative project. According to Shinde, she had a full script ready but chose to narrate only a few lines to Shah Rukh Khan. To her surprise, SRK’s response was a resounding, “Okay, got it. What do I have to do?” This willingness to dive into a project with minimal information speaks volumes about the trust and rapport between the director and the actor.

Shinde emphasized that casting Shah Rukh Khan as Dr. Jehangir Khan was a conscious decision to break stereotypes and contribute to the increasing seriousness with which people now view therapy. The need for a mainstream actor and a star like SRK was crucial, as his influence was considered instrumental in making the audience more receptive to the theme.

The director also shed light on Alia Bhatt’s character, Kaira, acknowledging the intentional departure from the conventional portrayal of a female lead. Shinde aimed to challenge stereotypes by presenting Kaira as a character with inner complexities, deliberately steering away from the notion that a female character must always be portrayed as likable or attractive.

Furthermore, Gauri Shinde shared that Shah Rukh Khan not only embraced his role but also provided valuable insights into how he envisioned portraying the therapist. This collaboration of creative minds contributed to the authenticity and depth of the characters, elevating “Dear Zindagi” to a level where it transcended the typical Bollywood narrative.

In conclusion, “Dear Zindagi” stands as a cinematic milestone, not just for its compelling storyline but for its impact on the perception of therapy in mainstream cinema. Gauri Shinde, Shah Rukh Khan, and Alia Bhatt collectively dismantled stereotypes, offering audiences a refreshing take on mental health within the glitzy world of Bollywood. The film continues to be a testament to the power of storytelling in reshaping societal attitudes and fostering meaningful conversations about mental well-being.

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Source: https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/dear-zindagi-director-gauri-shinde-says-people-have-started-taking-therapy-seriously-because-of-srk-62847.html

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