Entertainment / From Stoic Protectors to Emotional Anchors: A Father’s Day Tribute Through Hindi Cinema

From Stoic Protectors to Emotional Anchors: A Father’s Day Tribute Through Hindi Cinema

Entertainment Jun 14, 2024

by Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate and honour the special role that fathers play in our lives, and in the realm of cinema, they are often depicted in diverse and empowering ways. From Bollywood classics to contemporary hits, Hindi films beautifully capture the essence of fatherhood, portraying dads as not just providers but as nurturing figures offering guidance, support, and unconditional love for their children.

These Hindi movies go beyond conventional stereotypes, showcasing fathers as companions, mentors, and heroes. Whether it’s the touching bond between a father and his daughter in Piku or the inspiring journey of a single father in Paa, Hindi cinema reminds us of the invaluable impact fathers have on shaping our lives and identities.

This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the powerful portrayal of paternal love and strength in Hindi cinema, and express gratitude for the fathers who enrich our lives both on and off the screen.

Piku

**From Stoic Protectors to Emotional Anchors: A Father’s Day Tribute Through Hindi Cinema. *Piku*.**

A heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the journey of Piku Banerjee and her ageing father, Bhaskor Banerjee, as they embark on a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata. Along the way, Rana Chaudhary, a taxi company owner, joins them. The film explores their dysfunctional yet loving family dynamic, blending humour with poignant moments and themes of family bonds and generational differences. With standout performances by Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Irrfan Khan, Piku captivates audiences with its realistic portrayal of family relationships’ complexities and ageing’s inevitability. My connection with this film is indescribable; I find myself drawn to it every two months without fail. There’s a deep attachment that resonates with me on a level I can’t quite put into words.

Wake Up Sid

Wake Up Sid holds a special place in my heart, particularly because of Konkona Sen Sharma’s character, Aisha Banerjee, whose journey inspired my career in journalism and writing. The film resonates with me deeply, beyond mere inspiration. I am especially fond of Sid Mehra, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, whose transformative journey alongside Aisha is both heartwarming and relatable. Together, they embark on a path of self-discovery and personal development, exploring themes of youth, friendship, and ambition against the lively backdrop of Mumbai. The father-son relationship between Sid and Ram Mehra is central to the story. Initially strained due to Sid’s carefree, irresponsible lifestyle and academic failures, the tension escalates until Sid leaves home after a heated argument. During his time away, Sid matures and begins to understand his father’s values of hard work and responsibility. Eventually, he apologizes and expresses gratitude, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation. By the film’s end, they achieve mutual respect, bridging their generational and ideological gap. Wake Up Sid has earned its place as a cherished Bollywood classic with its relatable characters, compelling storyline, and soulful music.

Dangal

This uplifting story, Dangal is about a father and his daughters brimming with perseverance and strength. Mahavir Phogat – Aamir Khan, an ex-wrestler, envisions a stable future for his daughters Geeta (played byFatima Sana Shaikh) and Babita (played by Sanya Malhotra). Defying societal norms, Mahavir rigorously trains them in the challenging sport of wrestling. Initially hesitant, the daughters come to appreciate and embrace their father’s aspirations for their success. When the world doubts their potential, Mahavir takes it upon himself to become their coach, providing his daughters with top-tier training to make them capable of winning Olympic gold.

Angrezi Medium

Angrezi Medium is a heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Homi Adajania. Champak Bansal, played by Irrfan Khan, runs a small sweet shop in Udaipur and dreams of providing the best education for his daughter, Tarika, Radhika Madan. When Tarika expresses her desire to study abroad, Champak supports her despite facing numerous challenges. Their journey to fulfil Tarika’s dream takes them to London, where they encounter new experiences and learn valuable lessons about family and following one’s dreams.

Raazi

Raazi directed by Meghna Gulzar, tells the story of Sehmat, Alia Bhatt, a young Indian woman who becomes a spy during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Her father, Hidayat, Rajit Kapoor, shatters traditional stereotypes by empowering his daughter to defy gender norms and embrace the dangerous role of a spy. Breaking away from the typical overprotective father archetype, Hidayat provides emotional support and shows vulnerability. As her mentor, he builds a deep bond of trust with Sehmat, redefining the concept of masculinity. Dilbaro is one of my favourite songs from the film. This beautiful Bidaai song is inspired by the traditional Kashmiri wedding Bidaai song, Khanmaej Koor. While it poignantly captures the bond between a father and daughter, it also delves into the protagonist’s internal struggle as she prepares to leave her home and country.

Do Dooni Chaar

Do Dooni Chaar, one of my favourite movies that I watch every other month, stars Rishi Kapoor as Santosh Duggal, a lovable middle-class father. Directed by Habib Faisal, the film captures the trials and dreams of a middle-class family. Santosh, a dedicated teacher, works tirelessly to improve his family’s financial situation, embodying perseverance and resilience. He exemplifies honesty and integrity, teaching these values to his children by example and supporting their decisions. Despite setbacks, Santosh remains committed to his family’s well-being, balancing his roles as a provider and a loving father.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

In the biographical film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Anupam Kher portrays Pan Singh, the father of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pan Singh embodies a devoted father who supports Dhoni’s passion for cricket under all circumstances. He encourages Dhoni to chase his dreams despite financial constraints and societal expectations, instilling values of determination and resilience. Throughout the movie, Pan Singh’s unwavering belief in Dhoni is evident as he provides moral support and guidance during challenging times. He consistently backs Dhoni’s cricket aspirations, making financial and personal sacrifices to ensure his son has the opportunities and resources he needs. He instils strong morals in Dhoni, advising him to remain humble in the face of success.

Chachi 420

Old is Gold! Chachi 420 is a heartwarming comedy film directed by Kamal Haasan. It follows the story of Jaiprakash Paswan, played by Kamal Haasan himself, a loving father who is separated from his daughter due to a bitter divorce. Determined to be close to his daughter, Jaiprakash disguises himself as a female housekeeper named Lakshmi Godbole, or ‘Chachi’, to work as a caretaker in his ex-wife’s household. Through his disguise, Jaiprakash navigates the complexities of gender roles and societal expectations, all while trying to maintain a bond with his daughter. The film explores themes of love, family, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child’s happiness, all wrapped in humour and warmth.

102 Not Out

102 Not Out is a heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Umesh Shukla. The story revolves around Dattatraya Vakharia, a lively 102-year-old, and his more reserved 75-year-old son, Babulal. Dattatraya aims to break the record for the oldest person alive, while also trying to reinvigorate Babulal’s joy for life. Through a series of challenges, the father-son duo reconnects, rediscovering the importance of family and embracing the present.

Paa

Paa directed by R. Balki is a poignant drama centred around Auro, a 12-year-old boy with progeria, a rare genetic disorder causing rapid ageing. The film delves into Auro’s discovery of his biological father, Amol, played by Abhishek Bachchan, and their journey to build a relationship amidst the challenges of Auro’s illness. Through themes of love, acceptance, and family bonds, Paa offers a touching exploration of relationships and resilience.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

In Karan Johar’s rom-com Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of Rahul and Sana Saeed’s character, Anjali, offer heartwarming father-daughter moments. Alongside Kajol and Rani Mukerji, the film presents memorable scenes where Anjali playfully teases her father and Rahul goes above and beyond, rushing to be with his daughter at summer camp when he misses her dearly. These endearing moments between Rahul and Anjali are sure to evoke laughter and warmth, making them relatable and aspirational for any father-daughter duo.

Shivaay

Shivaay, directed by Ajay Devgn, is an action-packed thriller centred on Shivaay, a skilled mountaineer played by Devgn, and his daughter Gaura, portrayed by Abigail Eames. During a vacation in Bulgaria, Gaura is kidnapped, prompting Shivaay to embark on a dangerous mission to rescue her. As he confronts adversaries and his inner struggles, the film explores themes of love and sacrifice. With breathtaking action and intense emotion, Shivaay keeps viewers riveted until the very end.

On Father’s Day, let us celebrate the unwavering strength, love, and guidance of fathers everywhere. From their steadfast support to their endless sacrifices, fathers play a pivotal role in shaping our lives and nurturing our dreams. It is a day to honour their resilience, kindness, and boundless devotion. Whether they are biological fathers, stepfathers, or father figures, their presence leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. Let’s take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for the extraordinary men who have shaped us into who we are today. Happy Father’s Day!

Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Author

Mehak Kapoor (@makeba_93) is a seasoned entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience in anchoring and content creation for television and digital platforms. Passionate about storytelling and factual reporting, she enjoys connecting with diverse audiences. Outside of work, ...

COMMENTS

Emerging Talents and Established Icons: Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with Us!

Mother's Day Special: How Bollywood & Hollywood Super Moms Show Us Women Can Have It All!

Over 50 Films From 9 Countries At The Eclectic South Asian Film Festival Montreal (May 24 - June 3)

Bollywood & Beyond: Must-Watch Films for Vibrant Insight Into Muslim Cultures

Exploring South Asian Intergenerational Sacrifice With 'The Wrong Bashir', Now Playing In Toronto

Pride Month & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Representation in South Asian Cinema

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) Celebrates Its 22nd Edition June 27-30 With An Incredible Lineup Of 21 Films

A Train Bloodbath With A 90% On Rotten Tomatoes - Why You Should Watch TIFF-Acclaimed Indian Action Flick 'Kill'

OTT Revolution: How Streaming Platforms Are Transforming Indian Cinema

'Girls Will Be Girls' Wins Big At The 2024 Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA)

Villainous Vixens: How Bollywood's Leading Ladies Are Redefining Cinema's Most Memorable Antagonists

From Stoic Protectors to Emotional Anchors: A Father’s Day Tribute Through Hindi Cinema

by Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

COMMENTS

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE