How would it feel to be constantly told by your family and every other adult you know that you will never do anything? You can only be a troublemaker and nothing more. Ishaan Awasthi grew up in a family that doesn’t focus on who one can be, but focuses on what one is not. Constantly compared to the grades and behavior of the person who supported him the most, his brother, Ishaan, he was moved to a boarding school. There is nothing better here. If not worse, and he’s on the verge of giving up, unless he’s introduced to his new art teacher, even if it’s only temporary. Ram Shankar Nilumbh and Ishaan Awasthi are known as one of the most memorable and important teacher-student duos of Indian cinema.
Taare Zameen Par is a film that inspires hope, and is one of those great films that will never fail to make you emotional. It is made with a lot of heart, and keeps in mind that this is not a film that tries to glorify any situation, but rather befriends logic and reason with a few sprinkles of magic. As Ishaan begins to find a friend and mentor in Ram, his talent catches the teacher’s attention. A child is extremely impressionable at a young age and Ram understands this. Ishaan deserves love and praise. Who doesn’t? Heartbreaking is the moment Ishaan’s father Nand Kishore visits the school to better understand his son’s dyslexia. He sees his son reading on a board, and that moment alone is enough to bring tears to your eyes. It’s not until the end that the film turns into one of the most poignant climactic scenes you’ll see – the feeling is involuntary.
Taare Zameen Par is a rare triumph that makes you realize the importance of a good teacher. They don’t just teach you one subject; They prepare you for life. Aamir Khan is one of the finest actors of our times and his every reaction is an indication of the same. There are moments in his films where he is able to encapsulate multiple thoughts and emotions through a simple expression. Darsheel Safary has played the role of Ishan Awasthi in such a way that we will recognize his character even before we can hear his name. His character makes you think a lot and this means that Ishaan has so few dialogues in the entire film.
It is no surprise that this film is etched in the history books of great films produced in the country. What really works here is honesty about emotions rather than exploitation of them. It’s heartbreaking, it’s painful, but it’s always hopeful. It’s a film that empowers you to believe that despite all the darkness we are surrounded by, and no matter how much the world tells you to give up, there will always be people who will remind you that the beliefs of others do not matter. Once you believe in yourself the world will follow you
published – October 10, 2025 03:51 PM IST