Film 'Srikanth' Screened in Indian Sign Language, Promoting Inclusivity in Entertainment

The screening brought visible joy to the faces of the children and other persons with disabilities, as they experienced a film in sign language for the first time.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) organized a special screening of the film Srikanth in Indian Sign Language (ISL) at PVR, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi today. Deaf children from NGOs working with the hearing-impaired community in the Delhi-NCR region attended the event, marking a significant step towards promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.

Speaking at the event, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of DEPwD, emphasized the importance of Indian Sign Language (ISL), a focus championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Shri Aggarwal highlighted that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued guidelines in March of this year prioritizing inclusivity in future films. He noted, “Entertainment should be accessible to everyone, whether they belong to the hearing-impaired community or other persons with disabilities.” He praised Srikanth as an inspirational story that delivers a powerful message to society.

Shri Aggarwal expressed his gratitude to Yunikee, the agency that converted the film into ISL, as well as the film's director, T-Series, and Chalk and Cheese Productions. He extended an invitation to producers and directors in the Indian film industry to join this initiative and contribute to building an inclusive society.

Director Shri Tushar Hiranandani expressed his heartfelt emotions during the screening, stating, “Today is a very important day for me. I give full credit to the Government of India for showcasing Srikanth in ISL.” Shri Chaitanya, Chief Officer of Yunikee, also thanked the Secretary, noting the significant responsibility of making the film accessible.

The screening brought visible joy to the faces of the children and other persons with disabilities, as they experienced a film in sign language for the first time. This initiative was not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful testament to their inclusion in mainstream society. The children expressed their appreciation, saying, "We hope that the Government of India continues to create such disability-friendly environments for us, so that we too can enjoy every color and joy of life."

Senior officials from the DEPwD and students from the deaf community were present at the event, which sent a positive message about making entertainment accessible to the hearing-impaired community and fostering an inclusive society.