July 15, 2024: Manasi Joshi, a para-badminton player, has publicly criticized former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina for ridiculing physical disabilities in an Instagram reel that has gone viral. The triumvirate is depicted in the video, which was uploaded by Harbhajan Singh on July 14, as limping and holding their backs while dancing to the Bollywood song “Tauba Tauba.” The video was intended to humorously illustrate the physical strain of competing in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024, in which the India Champions, guided by Yuvraj, recently emerged victorious over the Pakistan Champions.
The Video and Its Content
Harbhajan Singh’s Instagram reel was accompanied by the caption, “Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days, legends cricket.” The entire body is achy. Our rendition of the Tauba Tauba dance is in direct competition with that of our brothers, @vickykaushal09 and @karanaujla. 😜😜 “What a song! 🎶👌💥.” The video was intended to be a humorous post that reflected on the physical duress that was experienced during the tournament.
Manasi Joshi’s Response
As a prominent para-badminton player, Manasi Joshi expressed her disappointment and indignation regarding the cricketers’ actions. She responded to Harbhajan’s Instagram post by expressing her desire for greater accountability from the celebrities who are her peers. She requested that they refrain from disparaging the gait patterns of individuals with disabilities. This is not amusing. She also underscored the potential damage that such behavior can cause, particularly in the context of promoting the bullying of children with disabilities.
Joshi elaborated, “This reel of yours is intended to promote the notion that it is acceptable to ridicule the walking patterns of individuals with disabilities for the sake of a few laughs.” More young children with disabilities will be harassed as a result of the use of this reel. “If any of you athletes had participated in responsible community service in the disability space area, you would not have created this reel.”
Responses from Disability Rights Organizations
Additionally, disability rights organizations and activists have expressed their dissatisfaction with the video. According to the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled, the video was “totally disgraceful,” and the behavior was condemned as insensitive and uncouth. Arman Ali, Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, implored the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to review the video, describing it as “disgusting” and “shameful.”
Wider Consequences
The controversy emphasizes the necessity for public figures to exert a greater degree of sensitivity and awareness with respect to the effects of their actions on marginalized communities. The broader issue of how influential personalities can inadvertently perpetuate detrimental stereotypes and behaviors is underscored by Manasi Joshi’s criticism. The disability rights community’s response serves as an additional illustration of the significance of advocating for the respect and comprehension of individuals with disabilities.
