FlipSide Workspace Takes Children with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities to Watch "Sitare Zameen Par"

FlipSide Workspace, Hyderabad’s pioneering vocational centre for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities, recently orchestrated a powerful day of cinema and reflection. A group of 40 students, mentors, and parents visited RK Cineplex PVR Cinemas in Banjara Hills to watch Sitare Zameen Par, a film that deeply resonated with the centre’s mission of inclusive growth and understanding.

Produced by Aamir Khan, the film thoughtfully portrayed the lives of neurodiverse individuals through the story of a basketball coach who rediscovered his purpose by training young adults with intellectual disabilities. The coach’s journey mirrored the broader shift FlipSide had long advocated—towards empathy, inclusion, and the celebration of every individual's potential.

FlipSide Workspace Takes Children with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities to Watch "Sitare Zameen Par"

For the FlipSide community, the experience was more than a movie outing. It became a moment of validation, recognition, and connection. “The film mirrored many of the emotions we witnessed every day at FlipSide,” one mentor shared. “It brought to light not just the struggles but the immense strengths and depth of our students. It echoed our belief that with the right environment, every individual could thrive.”

A particularly moving moment in the film—where neurodiverse characters celebrated each other's wins with unfiltered joy—resonated with the FlipSide team. “That was what we saw every single day,” said another mentor. “This community thrived not on competition, but on shared joy and mutual respect.”

The narrative also highlighted a poignant transformation in a neurotypical character, played by Aamir Khan, who learned to see beyond labels. A parent reflected, “It was a gentle reminder that sometimes it wasn’t about teaching our children—it was about learning from them.”

FlipSide Workspace Takes Children with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities to Watch "Sitare Zameen Par"

By its third year, FlipSide Workspace had already redefined what inclusive vocational education looked like. Its programs catered to young adults aged 15 and above, focusing on life skills like money management, communication, cooking, and emotional regulation. Each session was designed around the individual needs of every student, nurturing confidence, independence, and dignity.

the stars weren’t only on screen—they were right there

At the heart of FlipSide’s hands-on training model was A Seat at the Table—an in-house, student-run cloud kitchen that grew into a vibrant hub of skill-building. From managing inventory to preparing meals, students were immersed in real-world experiences that sowed the seeds of financial independence and self-belief.

By then, FlipSide had supported 20 students across two centres in Hyderabad, offering them not just education, but a place where they were seen, celebrated, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.

Through everyday moments and special initiatives like this cinema outing, FlipSide proved that inclusion wasn’t just a concept—it was a lived, shared experience. And for these young individuals, the stars weren’t only on screen—they were right there, shining in our midst.