Tata Power & Anupam Kher Launch Groundbreaking Neurodiversity Film “Tanvi The Great” in Delhi

The bustling PVR Select City Walk in Saket transformed into a beacon of inclusion as Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT) and Anupam Kher Studio hosted a landmark screening of “Tanvi The Great” on July 22, 2025. Attended by over 800 neurodiverse individuals, caregivers, policymakers, and CSR leaders, this event marked a pivotal moment for neurodiversity awareness in India. Anchored by Tata Power’s flagship Pay Autention initiative, the premiere blended cinematic storytelling with immersive experiences to shatter stereotypes about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and celebrate cognitive differences.

Tata Power’s Pay Autention Initiative: Revolutionizing Neurodiversity Support in India

India’s first integrated neurodiversity support network, Pay Autention, demonstrated its innovative approach at the Delhi premiere. Beyond traditional awareness campaigns, the initiative—spearheaded by Tata Power’s CSR arm—focuses on actionable solutions across six pillars: early diagnosis, caregiver training, inclusive education, skill development, workplace integration, and policy advocacy. With 500+ partner organizations and 18,000+ beneficiaries already impacted, Pay Autention bridges critical gaps through platforms like E-Sanidhya (developed with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment).

Key components of Pay Autention’s success include:

• Multi-city outreach: Physical hubs offering diagnostic support in underserved communities
• Digital integration: AI-powered resources for educators and employers
• Corporate partnerships: Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities collaboration for job readiness programs
• Research-backed frameworks: Tools validated by National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID)

The “Tanvi The Great” screenings across five cities represent Pay Autention’s cultural strategy—using art to normalize conversations about neurological differences. As Himal Tewari, CHRO & Chief Sustainability/CSR at Tata Power, emphasized: “Inclusion isn’t about treating people with autism differently—it’s about celebrating uniqueness. Stories like Tanvi’s build empathy to create a world where every mind matters.”

“Tanvi The Great”: Anupam Kher’s Personal Tribute to Neurodiverse Potential

Veteran actor-director Anupam Kher transformed personal inspiration into social impact with “Tanvi The Great.” The film follows a neurodiverse girl’s journey overcoming societal barriers—a narrative drawn from Kher’s niece Tanvi. Unlike stereotypical portrayals of autism, the screenplay highlights neurodiverse strengths like pattern recognition, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving.

During the premiere, Kher shared: “This story is deeply personal. Neurodiverse individuals like Tanvi brim with untapped talent. Partnering with Tata Power’s Pay Autention ensures our message drives real change.” The collaboration extends beyond screenings—Anupam Kher Studio will develop educational toolkits for schools, using film clips to teach neurodiversity acceptance.

Sensory Experience Zone: Walking in Neurodiverse Shoes

A groundbreaking feature of the Delhi event was the Pay Autention Sensory Experience Zone, curated by inclusive-design startup Sensory All. This interactive installation simulated sensory processing differences common among neurodiverse individuals:

• Hyper-sensitivity stations: Overwhelming lights/sounds mimicking sensory overload
• Communication challenges: Activities demonstrating non-verbal interaction barriers
• Strengths showcase: AR exhibits highlighting neurodiverse cognitive advantages

Attendees—including officials from the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities—experienced firsthand the daily realities facing ASD individuals. As one special educator noted: “This zone builds more empathy than any lecture. You can’t unfeel what you experience here.”

National Expansion & Policy Implications

Following Delhi’s success, curated screenings and sensory zones will launch in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata by September 2025. Each event will convene local stakeholders—from NGOs like Action For Autism to government skill-development bodies—to address regional inclusion gaps. Notably, the initiative aligns with India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, advocating for:

• Mainstream school accommodations
• Corporate hiring quotas for neurodiverse talent
• Public infrastructure sensory adjustments
• Insurance coverage for autism therapies

This powerful fusion of cinema and advocacy proves stories can reshape society. By experiencing Tanvi’s journey and walking in neurodiverse shoes, India moves closer to true inclusion. Support the Pay Autention movement—watch “Tanvi The Great,” advocate for inclusive workplaces, and help build a world where neurological differences are celebrated, not stigmatized.

Must Know

What is Tata Power’s Pay Autention initiative?
Pay Autention is India’s first integrated neurodiversity support network launched by Tata Power Community Development Trust. It provides early diagnosis resources, caregiver training, inclusive education frameworks, and job skill programs through 500+ partner organizations. The initiative has impacted 18,000+ neurodiverse individuals via digital platforms like E-Sanidhya and community hubs.

How does “Tanvi The Great” promote neurodiversity awareness?
Directed by Anupam Kher and inspired by his neurodiverse niece, the film portrays a young girl overcoming societal barriers through her unique strengths. By humanizing autism experiences and avoiding stereotypes, it sparks dialogue about inclusion. Screenings include sensory zones helping neurotypical audiences understand neurodiverse perspectives.

Which cities will host “Tanvi The Great” screenings?
After the Delhi premiere, Tata Power and Anupam Kher Studio will bring the film and sensory experience zones to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. These events target educators, policymakers, and corporations to drive local neurodiversity inclusion initiatives.

How can I support neurodiversity inclusion?
Advocate for workplace accommodations like flexible lighting/noise controls. Volunteer with NGOs like Action For Autism or Asha Hain. Push schools to adopt inclusive curricula. Support policies mandating accessibility in public spaces. Most importantly, listen to neurodiverse voices and challenge stereotypes.

What government bodies support neurodiversity initiatives?
Key entities include the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment), Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities, and NIEPID. They collaborate with CSR programs like Pay Autention on policy frameworks, skill development, and research.

Are sensory experience zones effective for awareness?
Yes. Designed by experts like Sensory All, these zones simulate sensory processing differences—helping neurotypical people understand challenges like sound/light sensitivity. Attendees report greater empathy and commitment to accommodation strategies after these immersive experiences.