Rewinding the reel this Father’s Day to remember Bollywood’s some of the most iconic on-screen dads.
Bollywood has become an inseparable part of our lives, offering a reference point for almost every occasion — and Father’s Day is no different. Celebrated each year to honour fathers who shape our lives, this day gives us a chance to appreciate the many roles fathers play. From the strict-yet-loving fathers to the tender and progressive dads who break stereotypes, Hindi cinema has portrayed fatherhood in myriad shades. As we honour our real-life heroes this Father’s Day, let’s revisit some of Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen dads who left a lasting impact with their performances.
As Simran’s father in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, Amrish Puri’s character, Chaudhry Baldev Singh, is best remembered for the iconic line, “Ja Simran ja, jee le apni zindagi.” A deeply traditional and God-fearing man, Baldev Singh embodies both authority and affection. While he maintains a stern and disciplined persona for most of the film, his emotional depth is revealed in the climactic moment when he finally lets his daughter choose her own happiness. Despite his rigid exterior, his love for Simran ultimately softens his heart, making him one of Bollywood’s most memorable on-screen fathers.
In Nitesh Tiwari’s 2016 biographical sports drama ‘Dangal’, Aamir Khan portrays Mahavir Singh Phogat, an amateur wrestler who defies societal norms to train his daughters, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, into world-class champions. Mahavir stands out as a father who believes in empowering his daughters rather than conforming to traditional expectations of marriage and domesticity. His iconic line, “Hamari choriyan choro se kam hai ke?”, captures the essence of his progressive mindset. He represents the kind of father every girl dreams of—one who believes in her potential and supports her unconditionally.
While Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Yashvardhan Raichand in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ remains one of his most iconic father roles, his character in ‘Piku’—Bhaskor Banerjee—offers a completely different and equally memorable take on fatherhood. Bhaskor is a quirky, progressive father who champions women’s independence and openly criticizes the idea of women sacrificing their identity for their husbands’ pride or happiness. Piku’s strong, self-reliant nature is a direct reflection of Bhaskor’s unconventional yet empowering parenting.
In ‘Hindi Medium’, Irrfan Khan portrays Raj Batra, a deeply devoted father who goes to great lengths to secure a spot for his young daughter in a good and prestigious school. His determination reflects not just his aspirations for her future, but also his unconditional love and commitment as a parent. Beyond being a caring father, Raj is also a supportive and affectionate husband—striking a balance that forms the foundation of a warm and nurturing family.
Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of Jaiprakash Paswan in ‘Chachi 420’ presents the character of a hardworking, middle-class man determined to stay close to his daughter despite financial hardships and a broken marriage. Separated from his wife and child, Jaiprakash goes to extraordinary lengths—disguising himself as an elderly nanny named ‘Chachi’—just to be near his daughter. His character embodies the spirit of a fun-loving, affectionate, and deeply devoted father who joyfully tends to his daughter's every little need.
