Black is a Hindi–English language drama film directed by Yanjay Leela Bhansali. It stars Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan with Shernaz Patel and Dhritiman Chatterjee in supporting roles. The film tells the story of Michelle McNally, a deaf-blind woman, and her relationship with her mentor Debraj Sahi, an elderly alcoholic who later suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Bhansali announced his new project Black in 2003. The idea first came to him when he encountered physically disabled children while shooting for the musical Kamoshi in late 1990. The story is inspired by the life of American activist Helen Keller and her 1903 autobiography, The Story of My Life. The film was originally planned to be another romantic film, but chose to address the issue of deaf-blindness. The screenplay was written by Bhansali, Bhavani Iler and Praklesh Kapadia, who also wrote the dialogues in English and Hindi, respectively. Cinematography by Ravi Khandran and taking 100 days, using the cinematography style of the 1959 film Kaagaz Ke Phool, took place between January and April 2004, in Shimla and Film City. Among Kumar was the production designer, while Sham Kaushal was the work director. The film faced legal issues after its sets were burned at Film City, and the initial budget of the film was increased. After the shooting was completed, the editing was handled by Bela Sehgal. The soundtrack and theme music were composed by Monty Sharma and Michelle Dana respectively. With a budget of around US$2.8 million, Black was released theatrically on 4 February 2005. It grossed US$5.7 million and was considered a commercial success, ranking as the highest-grossing Indian film. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising the story, direction and acting. The film won numerous awards, including 11 Filmfare Awards, the highest number ever, and 3 National Film Awards, including Best Hindi Film, Best Actor for Bachchan, and Best Costume Design for Sabyasachi Mukerji. A Turkish version was released in 2013. The film revolves around Michelle, who lost her sight and hearing due to an illness that struck her in her childhood. She grows up frustrated and disillusioned, which makes her a violent and uncontrollable child. Her parents Paul and Catherine try to control her until Debraj, an elderly drug addict teacher, enters their lives. Debraj takes it upon himself to mold Michelle into a person who can communicate and express himself. He uses harsh methods, which the father initially objects to, and orders him to leave. Debraj stays with Michelle while her father is away on a business trip, teaching Michelle a few words and better manners. But he prepares to leave when her father returns. Just before he leaves, Debraj is disappointed to see Michelle back to being rude. He later throws her into a water fountain, prompting her to learn Debraj's lessons. Finally understanding what water is, she makes her parents aware, and utters the first syllables of small words, convincing her parents to continue with Debraj as her teacher. Years later, Michelle has become an expressive woman who can dance and sing with authority. She gets admission to pursue her bachelor's degree with Debraj's help. She moves out of her home and lives with Debraj. For the next two years, she struggles to earn her degree, year after year, but she keeps her spirit up and relies on Debraj to interpret the material, and the principal helps her study in Braille.