Karan Johar Launches Autism Awareness Band With Teens

The initiative is intended to create awareness about autism and mental illness.

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Karan Johar)

Filmmaker Karan Johar, along with Y-Films, has introduced a specially-abled teens band 6 Pack Band 2.0, which raises awareness about autism.

The Six Pack Band first made headlines with its ‘Hum Hain Happy’ in January 2016. The new band focuses on mental health & disability and the filmmaker has joined the cause to change the way one perceives differently-abled children.

Take a look at the ‘Jhakkad Pakkad Dance’ which has been choreographed by Adil Shaikh:

The new group comprises of six teens between the ages of 13 to 18 with special needs but incredible music skills, drive and passion. The six members of the band are Ananya Halarnkar, Anjali Ramesh, Maitreya Matale, Paarth Padhye, Prerna Agarwal and Rishaan Patil.

Speaking at the song launch event, Karan Johar said:

It’s so wonderful to see these young, super talented kids come together to create something so epic. I’m excited to be a part of something I know will not only change you and me but also has the power to change the world. I can’t wait to see what these kids do next, they are here to conquer the world with their talent.

Karan Johar, Filmmaker

The band has been conceived and produced by Ashish Patil, who heads Y-Films, the youth wing of Yash Raj Films and curated by Shameer Tandon.

This is not just about autism, we have kick started our campaign with this. Our intent is to try and cover the entire spectrum of mental health challenges or disabilities so be it dyslexia, down syndrome or dysgraphia or anxiety or depression. We are going to be relentless. There are six songs, six music videos hopefully with really interesting collaborations. We are not looking for sympathy but for strength.

Ashish Patil, Head of Y-Films

The initiative is intended to create awareness about autism and mental illness. The campaign is partnered with Brooke Bond Red Label. The video has been released in April, which is also the Autism Awareness Month.

(With inputs from PTI & IANS.)

(For more stories on autism, follow FIT.)