Produced and directed by Rakesh Roshan, the movie “Koi Mil Gaya” was released exactly two decades ago today. It introduced us to prominent actors like Hrithik Roshan, portraying Rohit Mehra, Preity Zinta as Nisha Saluja, and Rekha as Sonia Mehra. The film depicted the characters Rohit and Nisha as each other’s romantic interests, and their relationship dynamics continue to linger in my thoughts.
Despite Nisha’s initial missteps when interacting with Rohit, it was heartwarming to witness their evolving friendship. Over time, Nisha transformed into a defender of Rohit against bullies and learned to set aside her prejudices, spending quality time with him to understand him better.
Considering that the movie addressed disabilities and neurodivergence in the context of Bollywood in 2003, it achieved a commendable level of success. Notably, the portrayal of Nisha and Rohit’s evolving friendship into love was a significant aspect of the film.
“Koi Mil Gaya” showcased a genuinely endearing and platonic connection between these two characters. Nisha’s ability to respect Rohit, even without a romantic inclination, highlighted the importance of basic respect, kindness, and compassion towards individuals who differ from us, irrespective of societal opinions on such friendships.
The film demonstrated the various ways Nisha and Rohit embraced and supported one another. Rohit, inherently open-minded due to his childlike wonder, approached Nisha with curiosity and acceptance. Conversely, Nisha progressively embraced Rohit’s social circle, family, and interests with a growing sense of vulnerability.
Their relationship was built on shared experiences like enjoying Bournvita, taking walks through the forest, engaging in computer activities, and spending quality time together in a purely platonic manner. Their bond was characterized by playful interactions and a genuine effort to understand each other, which was truly heartwarming to witness.
Perhaps, it would have been beneficial for Nisha and Rohit to delve deeper into discussions about inclusivity and contribute to broader conversations. Admittedly, the film’s portrayal of disability had its imperfections, with shortcomings evident in Rohit’s schooling environment and Nisha’s initial lack of consideration. Nevertheless, “Koi Mil Gaya” potentially played a pivotal role in initiating conversations around disabilities and fostering greater awareness in the long run.
