From Reel to Real: A Doctor’s Swades-Inspired Journey!

Growing up in a middle-class family in Vangani, a small village near Mumbai, my childhood was filled with the magic of Shah Rukh Khan’s films. I was so captivated by his characters that my dream profession would change with every new role he played. From a pilot to a businessman, my aspirations shifted constantly. But while my admiration for SRK was immense, my love for my family was even greater. My parents always supported my sister and me, encouraging us to pursue our dreams without hesitation.

As I matured, I let go of my childhood fantasies and found my true calling in medicine. I began studying MBBS, focused on becoming a doctor, but a pivotal moment changed my outlook forever. During my first year, I watched Swades, and SRK’s portrayal of a man returning to uplift his people struck a deep chord. The film made me realize that real heroes aren’t the ones fighting villains on screen but those battling real-life issues like poverty and lack of awareness.

Inspired by the movie, I started reading about social issues in India. That’s when I came across Mahatma Gandhi’s quote: “Whenever you are in doubt, recall the face of the poorest and the weakest person you have seen, and ask yourself if your action will be of any use to them.” This thought stayed with me, but I didn’t know how it would shape my path—until a heart-wrenching experience during my medical internship gave me clarity.

One night, six patients were rushed into the hospital after attempting suicide. They were all young. Tragically, three of them could not be saved. The weight of their loss, and the grief of their families, shook me to the core. I knew I had to do something. That night, I found my purpose: mental health.

When I told my parents I wanted to specialize in psychiatry, they were initially concerned. At the time, there was a deep-rooted stigma around mental health, and many people believed that psychiatrists were ‘crazy’ themselves. But when I shared my reason, my parents stood by me and said, “Beta, we are with you.” Their unwavering support meant everything, even when relatives and acquaintances criticized my decision.

Before committing to psychiatry, I spent a year researching mental healthcare in India. What struck me the most was the inaccessibility of treatment in rural areas. While psychiatrists were concentrated in cities, mental health care was almost nonexistent in villages. Stigma, superstition, and a lack of awareness made it even worse. That’s when I made another life-altering decision—just like SRK’s character in Swades, I chose to work in remote regions to help those who needed it the most.

I moved to Assam to study psychiatry, and after completing my education, I joined a hospital there. But I quickly realized that expecting patients to seek help wouldn’t work. The stigma was so deep-rooted that people feared even stepping into a psychiatrist’s office. If I truly wanted to make a difference, I had to go to them.

To break this barrier, I teamed up with NGOs and started organizing medical camps in public spaces. However, my unconventional approach raised suspicion. I charged only ₹300 per month, traveled to villages, and interacted with people informally—this made some wary of my intentions. Additionally, since I didn’t fit their idea of what a doctor should look like, trust was hard to earn. To bridge this gap, I chose to stay with locals instead of hotels, sharing meals and conversations. Over time, they began opening up to me about their struggles.

Many believed mental health issues were caused by spirits or curses. When I prescribed medicine, they were skeptical, saying, “Doctor sahab, aap sirf baat karte hain, kabhi davai bhi nahi dete.” To gain their trust, I told them, “Aap jo puja karna chahte hain kijiye, lekin meri davai bhi lijiye. Agar farak nahi pada, main paise lauta dunga.” As they saw real improvements, they not only continued their treatment but also encouraged others to seek help.

It’s been eight years since I left Mumbai for the Northeast, and I have helped over 50,000 people. Every day, I see lives transforming, and I feel an immense sense of fulfillment. Had I stayed in Mumbai, I could have had a comfortable life, but the peace I find in helping these communities is priceless. Perhaps that’s the true magic of SRK—his stories didn’t just entertain me, they inspired me to find my purpose.

One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was helping a family whose son suffered from schizophrenia. The young man was delusional and believed his parents wanted to harm him, which led to violent outbursts. Left with no option, his parents had kept him in chains for four years. They had once sought treatment, but when it became unaffordable, they lost hope.

By chance, they attended one of our medical camps. I diagnosed his condition and started him on counseling and medication. Slowly, he began to improve. One day, his parents told me with tears in their eyes, “Doctor sahab, humne socha tha hamara beta kabhi theek nahi hoga, lekin aapne use wapas lauta diya.” At that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Just like Mohan Bhargav in Swades, I have no regrets about leaving behind a more conventional career path. The impact I’ve made, the lives I’ve touched, and the awareness I’ve spread about mental health in rural India make every sacrifice worthwhile.