My first memory of witnessing someone with a mental illness was from a Bollywood movie called ‘Khilona’ (translating to toy).

At its most basic, the practice of asking Log Kya Kehenge? is used to create fear of the public's opinion on one's personal life. The practice, and the shame associated with it, is very common in many collectivist cultures, including South Asian communities.

It’s a pleasure for me to be writing this as we mark South Asian Heritage Month – an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unique contribution people from the sub-continent have made to life in the UK.