Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Sister's 30-Year Fight Inspires Film on Schizophrenia Care
Ila Basu has been taking care of her brother Tarun Das for 30 years.
Tarun was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious brain disorder that makes it hard for him to understand reality.
Ila's family is big and successful, but Tarun struggled in school and with friends as he grew up.
No one understood his condition, and he became very lonely.
Ila learned how to help him and even inspired a movie called Devrai.
Tarun was treated at a special hospital in Bengaluru, but after their father passed away, Tarun's condition worsened.
Ila never gave up on him, and her story shows how important it is to support people with mental health issues.
Ila Basu has cared for her brother Tarun Das, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, for 30 years.
Tarun's condition was misunderstood initially, leading to isolation and confusion as he struggled with school and social interactions.
Ila's efforts inspired the 2004 Marathi film Devrai, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support.
Tarun was treated at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, where his therapy focused on structure, routine, and care.
After their father's passing, Tarun's condition worsened, but Ila continued to support him despite the lack of family understanding and societal stigma.
- Who
- Ila Basu (sister) and Tarun Das (brother with schizophrenia)
- What
- Ila Basu's 30-year caregiving journey for her brother Tarun Das, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and how it inspired the 2004 Marathi film Devrai.
- When
- The caregiving journey spans 30 years, with the film being released in 2004.
- Where
- The story primarily takes place in Mysuru, Bengaluru (where Tarun was treated at NIMHANS), and Pune (where Ila is currently settled).
- Why
- Ila Basu's unwavering support and care for her brother Tarun Das, despite the challenges and lack of awareness about mental health, inspired the film Devrai.
- Patient
- Tarun Das
- Diagnosis
- Schizophrenia
- Caregiver
- Ila Basu (sister)
- Duration of Care
- 30 years
- Treatment Center
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- Film Inspired
- Devrai (2004 Marathi film)
- Family Background
- Large, accomplished family with seven children
- Current Location
- Pune