Progeria in Paa

Devika

Over the past decade, Bollywood has seen a positive shift in the content and intention of its films. No longer are films reduced to synchronized dancing, larger than life dialogues and slapstick comedy. A majority of new age movies are made with the intention to break stereotypes and bring to light relevant issues. They focus on matters that stir conversation - such as sexuality, religious beliefs, feminism and mental illness. More specifically in the realm of abnormal behavior, is the film Paa - a touching story about a twelve year old boy suffering from progeria, and how the last year of his life takes him on a mission to bring together his estranged parents.

Auro, a young and carefree boy is like every other twelve year old his age - except for his physical appearance that makes him appear as an old man. His overly large head, high pitched voice and lack of hair do not make him susceptible of bullying, but rather one of the most popular kids in school. He is a victim of a condition known as progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes a child to age rapidly. Independently raised by his mother, Auro is kept in the dark about his father’s identity. However, after a certain turn of events, his father enters his life. As Auro and his father start spending time together, he devises a plan to make his parents reunite. Unfortunately, he succumbs to his disease, and peacefully passes away. His death brings together his parents - who while grieving his loss, find solace in one another.

Paa was the first mainstream Bollywood film to revolve around as rare a genetic disorder as progeria. This incurable condition, affects around 1 in every 4 million children, with life expectancy not exceeding fifteen years (Gill, 2017). It is caused by a mutation in the lamin A (LMNA) gene, and involves severe hardening of the arteries (Gill, 2017). Progeria can lead to fatal heart complications, heightened risk of stroke and various physical difficulties. This accelerated aging however, does not impact one’s mental age, intelligence levels and motor skills (Gill, 2017). Common physical symptoms include a head that is largely disproportionate to the rest of the body, loss of hair (including eyelashes and eyebrows) and a high-pitched voice (Gill, 2017). Auro’s character does due justice to these symptoms, proving the physical portrayal of progeria is accurate throughout the film.

Auro’s progeria never inhibits him from being like other twelve year olds - curious, stubborn, mischievous and innocent. His child-like behavior, senseless antics and spontaneous dancing evoke heartwarming sentiments in the viewer. Yet, certain aspects of this movie are problematic, to say the least. Paa does not focus on the implications that come with having an unusual genetic condition, such as progeria. Rather, it simplifies the condition to merely fit the narrative of the plot. For example, in school Auro is shown as an extremely popular kid who is never bullied or discriminated because of his appearance. This contrasts to reality, wherein a child like Auro would surely be looked at differently, if not socially ostracized. Other than physically appearing as a child with progeria, no other aspect of this film is a result of his condition. He is shown as a constantly happy child, often dramatizing his actions and bursting into dance sequences, almost being comical. This manipulation of the condition does not break stereotypes, but rather glorifies the very serious condition. One can say that this issue falls under the realm of the creative liberty of the filmmaker's. Nonetheless, glorification of such issues takes away from its graveness, trivializing its importance. At certain times, Auro’s condition gets lost in the plot of the story - a narrative that can easily sustain itself without Auro being a victim of progeria in the first place. Yet, regardless of its flaws, Paa surely provides insight into the world of progeria, playing a role in destigmatizing mental illnesses one step at a time.

References

Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (Producer), & Balki, R. (Director). (2009). Paa [Motion Picture]. India: Reliance Big Pictures.

Gill, Karen. (2017, December 19). Causes, symptoms, and treatment of progeria. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146746.php