Bebasi’- a short film on the importance and issues surrounding organ donation and organ transplant was released at NFAI, Law College Road. The film has been written and directed by Pune-based Raahul Panshikar. ‘Bebasi’ is the sequel to Raahul Panshikar’s two earlier films- ‘Raakh’ and ‘Duvidha’. ‘Bebasi’ depicts the plight of the family of an honest man, Tatyasaheb Joglekar, who has dedicated his life to the education of poor children. Tatyasaheb, the main character in the short film, played by Mohan Joshi, mortgages his house to build a school for deprived children. Tatyasaheb and his family are beaming with happiness when his son completes his engineering and gets employed. However, their happiness is short-lived when they learn about a serious ailment Tatyasheb’s son is suffering from and the need for an organ transplant. The film portrays the family’s emotional turmoil, grappling with the situation and how the help and support by some kind individuals gives relief to the family. Renowned actor, Mohan Joshi, and the entire cast of the film was present at the release. President of Fleetguard, Sanjay Kulkarni, Managing Director of Fleetguard, Niranjan Kirloskar, Director, Rotary International, Dr Mahesh Kotbagi, Inspector General of Crime Investigation Department (CID), Dr Sanjay Shinde, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Milind Mohite , Dr. Harish Raichur, Dr. Sneha Gharmalkar and other dignitaries were present on this occasion. Through Bébasi, Panshikar proposes that aid for organ transplant procedures should be brought under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) so that such procedures have reduced prohibitive costs and makes it accessible even to poor people. ‘Bebasi’ also appeals to seek help from hospitals, social organisations, and government organisations and not to turn to the illegal organ transplant racket being run in the country. Speaking at the film release, Raahul Panshikar said, “Films play an important role in social change, and with a topic like an organ transplant and organ donation we wanted to make sure we not only create awareness but also guide people towards the authentic options available as help”. Niranjan Kirloskar mentioned that lakhs of rupees are being spent on organ transplants and dialysis of patients. He expressed hope that like all technologies, these costs will also come down eventually. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Milind Mohite said, “After the law came into force in 1994, organ donation has gained momentum, and it is nice to see how ‘Bebasi’ has handled this topic bringing out the essence of humanity.” To make an appeal to the people, Dr Mahesh Kotbagi suggested opening multiple free dialysis centres to create awareness about organ donation and transplant options to as many citizens in need as possible.
