For any daughter, her father is not just a family member; he is her first superhero, her shield, and the vast sky that gives wings to her dreams. If there is an unparalleled and sacred relationship in this world, it is the one shared between a father and his daughter. This bond houses a beautiful silence that understands everything without words, alongside abundant pampering, sweet bickering, and an unbreakable trust. Every year in June, as we celebrate Father's Day, there can be no better opportunity to cherish this selfless love.
Indian cinema has consistently captured the diverse shades of this fragile yet resilient bond on the silver screen. Bollywood has produced several exceptional movies that have made us laugh, brought tears to our eyes, and filled our hearts with pride through a father's unwavering trust. On this special occasion of Father's Day, let us look at 7 cinematic masterpieces that have immortalized the beautiful relationship between fathers and daughters.
Heyy Babyy: A Tiny Angel Who Reformed Three Bachelors
Directed by Sajid Khan, Heyy Babyy showcased paternal love in a highly entertaining and unconventional manner. The life of three carefree bachelors (played by Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, and Fardeen Khan) takes a complete turn when a baby girl named Angel is left abandoned at their doorstep. Initially trying to get rid of the infant, the trio gradually falls so deeply in love with her that they completely transform their chaotic lifestyle. Some emotional scenes between Akshay Kumar and the little baby still bring tears to the eyes of viewers. The movie's soul-stirring track Meri Duniya Tu Hi Re continues to touch the hearts of fathers expressing their love for their daughters.
Piku: A Heartwarming Role Reversal of Father and Daughter
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Piku offered a fresh and realistic perspective on the father-daughter dynamic. Amitabh Bachchan delivered an outstanding performance as Bhaskar Banerjee, an aging, eccentric, and chronically constipated father, while Deepika Padukone portrayed his independent, working daughter, Piku. The film beautifully highlights how, after a certain age, a father becomes like a child, and the daughter steps into the role of a mother to care for him. Their constant bickering and underlying deep affection form the very soul of this cinematic gem.
Drishyam: A Father Who Became an Unbreakable Shield
In Nishikant Kamat's edge-of-the-seat suspense thriller Drishyam, Ajay Devgn delivered a stellar performance as Vijay Salgaonkar. This character epitomizes a father who stands as an impenetrable wall against the police and the law to protect his family. To save his elder daughter from an accidental tragedy and societal stigma, Vijay, who is only a fourth-grade dropout, constructs a brilliant alibi. The film's core theme highlights how a father is willing to challenge the entire world to protect his children from any harm.
Dangal: A Strict Mentor Shaping Champions
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and based on inspiring real-life events, Dangal showcased the stern, mentor-like side of a father. The narrative revolves around the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The movie depicts how a father disregards societal norms and taunts to train his daughters into world-class wrestling champions. The iconic dialogue, Mhari chhoriyan chhoron se kam hain ke? reflects a father's absolute faith in his daughters' capabilities. Aamir Khan's portrayal of a tough yet deeply emotional father resonated profoundly with audiences worldwide.
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl and the Wind Beneath Her Wings
While this movie is a biopic of the courageous Kargil War pilot Gunjan Saxena, its heart beats around a beautiful father-daughter relationship. Pankaj Tripathi played the role of Gunjan's (Janhvi Kapoor) father, Anup Saxena. When the entire world discourages Gunjan, stating that women do not fly fighter jets, her father stands by her, saying, Whether a boy or a girl flies the plane, they are both called pilots. Pankaj Tripathi's portrayal of a calm, understanding, and highly progressive father serves as an inspiration for every daughter aiming high.
Angrezi Medium: A Father's Ultimate Sacrifice for His Daughter's Dream
Homi Adajania directed Angrezi Medium, which marked the final film appearance of the legendary actor Irfan Khan. Irfan Khan played Champak Bansal, a modest sweet-shop owner whose daughter (played by Radhika Madan) dreams of studying in London. To fulfill his daughter's aspiration, Champak stakes his life savings and overcomes every obstacle that comes his way. The film is a touching tribute to the selfless sacrifices a father makes just to see a smile on his daughter's face.
The India Story: Standing Together in the Face of Adversity
The upcoming film The India Story is also set to explore a poignant father-daughter relationship. Set against the backdrop of food adulteration and a resulting public health crisis, the film showcases how a father and daughter navigate difficult times together. While addressing an important social issue, the emotional core of the film remains the strong bond between the father and his daughter, who support each other through thick and thin.
