Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur recently shared a personal revelation: he has severe dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects an individual's ability to read, write, and spell. The revelation came through an unexpected discovery initiated by his daughter, Kaveri.
Kapur, the director of acclaimed films like "Masoom," "Mr. India," and "Elizabeth," disclosed that his daughter had mentioned she might be dyslexic. When Kaveri insisted on taking an online test to assess her condition, the results revealed that while she had a mild form of dyslexia, Shekhar Kapur was severely dyslexic.
The director shared this discovery on social media, noting how it suddenly explained many of his life-long challenges. He admitted that he has always been "petrified of forms," experiencing panic when faced with filling them out. Kapur had previously attributed this to irresponsibility or laziness. The diagnosis shed light on how he managed to become a successful Chartered Accountant despite his condition, a feat that remains a mystery to him.
Kapur also reflected on how his dyslexia affected his filmmaking process. He recounted how his line producers often joked that he wouldn't read the schedule but still managed to finish the day on time. It was only after accepting his dyslexia that he realized he wasn't avoiding reading the schedule but simply couldn't make sense of it.
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental issue that primarily affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell. It stems from difficulties in recognizing speech sounds and understanding their relation to letters and words. It is not indicative of low intelligence or lack of effort but rather a specific challenge with language processing. People with dyslexia often struggle with reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension, as well as spelling, writing, and organization.
Kapur also revealed in the past that he has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). In a previous tweet, he expressed gratitude for not attending a special school, believing it would have stifled his creativity and rebellious spirit. He has found a connection with visual mathematics through AI, something he struggled with in school due to his dyslexia.
Kapur's revelation highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding dyslexia. Early identification and appropriate support can significantly improve the prognosis for individuals with dyslexia. It also underscores the fact that dyslexia does not preclude success; many artists, poets, and musicians also live with the condition. Kapur's story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how individuals can adapt and compensate for dyslexia, turning potential disadvantages into unique strengths.
