The last act of dignity: Sumira Roy on National Award-winning documentary Bhangaar
The article discusses the National Award-winning documentary 'Bhangaar', which explores the themes of dignity in death and the right to euthanasia for the elderly. It highlights the story of the Lavate couple, who petitioned for active euthanasia, and examines the intersection of privilege and end-of-life choices.
Why it matters
It brings attention to the sensitive and often taboo subject of euthanasia and the rights of the elderly in a society that frequently ignores their agency.
A decade ago, actor Deepika Padukone said in an ad campaign: ‘My body, My choice.’ But, in reality, when it comes to older people, society often wrests that agency from them. Last week, as the world observed both International Day of Older Persons (October 1) and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), Mumbai-based Sumira Roy’s documentary film Bhangaar ( Obsolete ), raised the question of dignity in death and the right to die for the elderly.
The yet-to-release Marathi film, which won the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film last month, was screened by the Kriti Film Club in Delhi NCR.
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