Over the years, Bollywood has been remarkable in portraying the different types of human relationships on-screen: be it a pair in love, the bond between siblings, or the dynamics between a parent and a child. For instance, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’, directed by Karan Johar, revolves around the belief that family is everything, and your parents are your “Gurus”. Although the film has explored how parents often impose strict societal norms upon their children and try to dictate their life choices, the main maxim of the film lies in staying true to your values and culture; and respecting your parents. Stemming from the core values of Indian culture and tradition, Bollywood has placed parents in a revered position on-screen. However, there are films like ‘Masoom’, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, and ‘Secret Superstar’ as well, which portray the complexities between a parent and a child. These films too have gained immense popularity.
Overall, Bollywood, throughout the years, has successfully managed to depict the intricacies of a relationship between a parent and a child on-screen. The audience can relate to it, the reason why these films have garnered significant acclamation.
So, let’s celebrate this National Parents’ Day by re-visiting those on-screen parents of Bollywood who have been the best teachers, the best guides, and the best of friends to their kids!
(Image Credit: Scoopwhoop)
In ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’ Bunny’s (Ranbir Kapoor) father (Farooq Sheikh) is portrayed as a supportive figure who is extremely welcoming of his son’s life choices and goals. The father understands the true, intrinsic nature of his son, and never advises him to go against his own will. With a gentle yet strong personality, Bunny’s father is more than a companion to Bunny, whom he can turn to for help and guidance at any point in his life.
What you experience in your teenage years can have a life-long impact on your mental health and personality. Especially, when you are a fat, nerdy, ignored and friendless teenager at school, life for you can feel like hell! In the movie ‘Gippi’, a teenage daughter played by Riya Vij, relies on her supportive mother (Divya Dutt) as her confidante. The daughter who is bullied at school, finds solace and peace in her mother’s arms. The mother, Pappi Kaur, who is dealing with divorce, comes out as a super supportive and loving mother to her daughter. The world needs more of such parents, don’t you think?
In the film ‘Queen’, Kangana Ranaut plays the role of Rani. Initially, as the film begins, we meet Rani’s parents who are depicted as extremely stereotypical, so much so that they send the younger son of the house as a chaperone with his elder sister. However, things take a turn when Rani’s wedding with Vijay (Rajkumar Rao) is called off by the groom himself. After this incident, Rani’s parents showed immense support to her when she decided to leave for the destination planned for their honeymoon, alone. Though reluctant at first, Rani’s parents finally understood and realised what their daughter needed the most.
Bitti, played by Kriti Sanon, is a free-spirited and very fiery young girl. However, in a place and society like Bareilly, her notion of living life on her terms, and exploring the world instead of getting married at a young age, is strongly shunned. However, if you have a father like Bitti does, life is easier to handle. Narrotam Mishra, played by Pankaj Tripathi, is Bitti’s loving father, who is very rational and open-minded. The movie shows how he supports his daughter in all her endeavours and encourages her to achieve more in life.
Sarita, played by Supriya Pathak, portrays the role of a mother who loves her son unconditionally. Despite all his flaws, the mother tries her best to be supportive and act as her son’s best friend. Ranbir Kapoor plays the role of Siddharth (Sid) in the movie. Sid’s father (played by Anupam Kher), on the other hand, is very strict towards his son, but carries good intentions in his heart. He decides to cut off his son’s pocket money when he finds out that his career is in serious difficulty. This tough love helps Sid grow up from a boy to a responsible man. The movie is a lesson on parenting, sketching how a balance between strict guidance and allowing your child independence can serve as the right ingredient for their growth and development.
This National Parents’ Day, relive these enriching cinematic moments with your children. Plan a fun movie night with lots of good food on the platter! We wish you a very Happy National Parents’ Day!
