Father’s Day is celebrated to honor the fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. It’s a day to express gratitude and appreciation for the love, support, and guidance fathers provide.
In the vast landscape of Bollywood cinema, fathers have played pivotal roles, often serving as the moral compass, comic relief, or a source of inspiration for their children and audiences alike. Let’s embark on a journey through some of the most memorable dad characters in Indian cinema, each leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
One cannot discuss Bollywood dads without mentioning Narayan Shankar from ‘Mohabbatein’. Portrayed by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, Narayan Shankar epitomizes the strict, disciplinarian father who believes in upholding traditions and values. His character challenges the audience to contemplate the balance between tradition and modernity.
Comedy has been an integral part of Bollywood, and dads have often been the source of laughter. Remember Anupam Kher from ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ exemplifies the adorably awkward yet endearing father figure. Dharamvir Malhotra’s character navigates between traditional values and modern sensibilities, creating comedic moments as he tries to understand his daughter’s choices. His journey reflects the complexities of fatherhood, balancing the desire for family honor with the ultimate goal of his daughter’s happiness.
Bollywood has also given us fathers who break stereotypes and redefine the role of a dad. Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat in ‘Dangal’ is a shining example. He defies societal norms by training his daughters in wrestling, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring millions with his progressive parenting.
In ‘Piku’, we meet Bhaskor Banerjee, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who portrays a single father grappling with aging and health issues. His character highlights the complexities of single parenthood and the sacrifices parents make for their children’s well-being.
In the recent film ‘Badhaai Ho’, we meet Jeetender Kaushik, played by Gajraj Rao, a middle-aged man who unexpectedly becomes a father again. His portrayal breaks stereotypes about older parents and highlights the joys and challenges of parenting at any age.
Another recent example is Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Chhichhore’, where Sushant Singh Rajput plays Aniruddh Pathak, a father who encourages his son to persevere through life’s challenges. His character teaches us about the importance of resilience and the unconditional support fathers provide to their children.
However not a biological father, in ‘Super 30’, we see Hrithik Roshan as Anand Kumar, a real-life teacher who coaches underprivileged students for the IIT entrance exam. Anand’s dedication to his students, akin to a father figure, inspires us with his selfless commitment to their success.
These portrayals of fatherhood in Bollywood reflect the evolving role of fathers in Indian society. From breaking stereotypes to redefining traditional norms, these characters continue to inspire us and showcase the diverse facets of fatherhood in Indian cinema.
Who has been your favorite ‘Bollywood Dad’ ?
Happy Father’s Day!
