These unforgettable stories of fatherhood—from stern to soft—show us just how powerful love can be
Fathers in Indian cinema have changed with time. From the strict patriarch of black-and-white films to the soft, supportive dad of today, Bollywood has shown it all. But one thing has stayed the same: emotion—quiet, deep, and often unspoken.
Some dads on screen made us cry. Some made us smile. Some reminded us of our own fathers. As Father's Day arrives, it's the perfect time to look back. At those reel-life fathers who felt real. At those moments that stayed with us. At those stories that said—sometimes, a hug, a stare, or a simple "I'm proud of you" is enough.
Amitabh Bachchan became a child. Abhishek Bachchan became his father. But in real life, it's the other way around. That's what made Paa so special. Abhishek's character, Amol, is a politician. He suddenly learns he has a son. Auro is not a regular boy. He has a rare condition. But he is full of life. Amol slowly opens up. He starts caring. He becomes a father in the truest sense. No drama. Just gentle moments. The film showed that being a father is not about age. It's about showing up.
Sushant Singh Rajput plays Anni—a fun-loving college guy. Years later, he becomes a serious father. His son tries to end his life. The reason? He didn't crack an exam. Anni breaks down. Then he decides to fight. Not with anger. But with stories. Stories of his failures. And how he came back. It's moving. It's real. He doesn't preach. He just shares. That's when his son starts healing. That's when we see what modern fatherhood looks like. Open. Honest. Imperfect. But deeply loving.
Mahavir Singh Phogat had a dream. He wanted a son to win gold for India. He got daughters. He didn't stop dreaming. He trained them hard. It could be too hard. He pushed. He yelled. He controlled. But deep inside, it was all love. As Geeta and Babita grew, they saw it. They won medals. But they also won something more—their father's silent pride. In the wrestling pit and life, he stood behind them. Strong. Silent. Supportive. That's Dangal. That's fatherhood.
Shekhar was happy. A loving wife. Two daughters. Then came a letter. A boy. His son. From another woman. His world shattered. But he brought the boy home. His wife was broken. The daughters are confused. Shekhar stayed quiet. He cried when no one watched. He smiled for the boy. He tried to hold his family together. Masoom was not just about betrayal. It was about healing. And a father's pain. And his gentle courage. It remains one of the most tender films about broken families and silent love.
Not all fathers are perfect. In Kapoor & Sons, Rajat Kapoor plays Harsh. A father with secrets. A man who wants love. But doesn't know how to ask for it. His sons are distant. The family is cracked. But there are moments. He waits for his son's call. He cooks to make things right. He fails. But he tries. And that's the point. Sometimes, a father's love is clumsy. But it's still love. This film didn't glorify fatherhood. It made it real.
Gunjan had one dream. To fly. Her mother was unsure. Her brother was strict. But her father stood tall. "Why not?" he asked. Pankaj Tripathi, as Gunjan's father, stole the show. He believed in her. When the world laughed, he cheered. He packed her bags. He pushed her forward. He never once said, "You can't." That's all she needed. The film is her story. But also his. A father who didn't just allow her to fly—he gave her the sky.
