As India observes National Doctor's Day, celebrating the dedication of its medical community, it is timely to recall a profound observation from Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. In 2024, addressing a cohort of young doctors, the CJI specifically referenced the iconic ‘Jaadu Ki Jhappi’ (magical embrace) scene from Munna Bhai MBBS to highlight the profound impact of the popular film on healthcare. Chandrachud emphasised that the ultimate purpose of both medicine and law remains to serve and uplift humanity. He stressed that, more than mere cases, patients are individuals who require kindness as much as they need expertise.
The 2003 Rajkumar Hirani directorial, starring Sanjay Dutt in the titular role, became a major box office hit and a cultural phenomenon that subtly yet powerfully reshaped the narrative around medical practice in India. Through the journey of its unconventional protagonist, Munna Bhai, and his sidekick Circuit (Arshad Warsi), the film championed the notion that empathy and compassion are as crucial to healing as surgical skills and pharmaceutical knowledge.
The aforesaid scene, where Munna embraces a terminally ill patient, shows how a simple act of human connection offers comfort and solace beyond the scope of conventional medicine. It resonates deeply with audiences, often sparking conversations about the often-overlooked emotional and psychological needs of patients. The medical community in India endorsed the film and its message at the time of its release. The National Medical Journal of India once commended the film's portrayal of empathy and its potential to influence medical students and practitioners, citing the same scene as mentioned above.
