The Sky Is Pink is a deeply emotional and visually poetic Hindi-language biographical drama that released in October 2019, directed by Shonali Bose and starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, and Rohit Saraf. Based on the real-life story of Aisha Chaudhary, a young motivational speaker who lived with a rare genetic disorder, the film offers a moving portrayal of a family’s resilience in the face of terminal illness—told with humor, honesty, and heart.
🎬 Plot Summary: A Daughter’s Voice from Beyond
Narrated posthumously by Aisha (played by Zaira Wasim), the film chronicles the 25-year love story of her parents, Aditi and Niren Chaudhary (Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar), as they navigate the emotional and financial challenges of raising a child with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and later pulmonary fibrosis.
Rather than focusing solely on tragedy, the film celebrates life’s fleeting beauty. Aisha’s narration is witty and self-aware, offering a unique perspective on mortality, family bonds, and the power of unconditional love.
🌟 Performances and Direction
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas delivers a powerful performance as Aditi, a fiercely determined mother who stops at nothing to save her daughter.
- Farhan Akhtar brings warmth and quiet strength to Niren, balancing the emotional weight with grounded realism.
- Zaira Wasim, in her final film role, is luminous as Aisha—charming, vulnerable, and wise beyond her years.
Director Shonali Bose, who drew inspiration from her own personal loss, crafts a narrative that is both intimate and universal. The screenplay, co-written with Juhi Chaturvedi and Nilesh Maniyar, blends humor with heartbreak in a way that feels authentic and cathartic.
🎵 Music and Cinematography
The film’s music, composed by Pritam with background score by Mikey McCleary, complements the emotional highs and lows. Songs like “Dil Hi Toh Hai” and “Zindagi” became anthems of hope and reflection.
Cinematographers Kartik Vijay and Nick Cooke use vibrant palettes and fluid camera work to mirror the film’s emotional spectrum—from the chaos of hospitals to the serenity of London’s streets.
📊 Reception and Legacy
- Budget: ₹24 crore
- Box Office: ₹34.4 crore (approximate)
While the film received modest commercial success, it was widely praised for its storytelling, performances, and emotional depth. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2019 to a standing ovation.
Critics lauded it as a rare Bollywood film that tackled grief and terminal illness with nuance, avoiding melodrama in favor of authenticity.
💬 Why It Still Matters
The Sky Is Pink remains a standout in Indian cinema for its celebration of life in the face of death, its empathetic portrayal of caregiving, and its unconventional narrative voice. It’s a film that doesn’t just make you cry—it makes you reflect, smile, and cherish the people you love.
