Happy Teacher’s Day: ‘Hichki’ to ‘Dangal’ to ‘Super 30’ – films to celebrate your favourite on-screen teachers

While there are sayings and quotes galore that define the importance of a teacher in every person’s life, they meagerly do the act any justice. Ahead of Teacher’s Day on September 5, 2020, tributes, wishes and nostalgia for all those who have influenced lives knowingly and unknowingly are in well-deserved order. And in the spirit of celebrating these individuals, who are currently grappling with change in their entire process, here is a list of films who do their deeds in the best way possible. These five films have redefined the sensitive teacher-student bond that dictates so much of our lives.

So after sending some love and respect to the people who shaped your life, tune into the below movies to relate and celebrate your favourite on-screen teachers.

‘Hichki’

For a woman who has a speech disorder, dreaming to become a teacher would be considered not the best option. But Naina Mathur proves everyone who thinks so completely wrong. ‘Hichki’ follows her determined journey to become a teacher against all odds, and when after a slew of rejections, she is given an opportunity at an elite school, she finds her dream within arm’s length. But her batch of students is anything but star kids. Hailing from underprivileged backgrounds in an environment unfamiliar to them, they are rebellious, undisciplined and disrespectful. Naina, however, manages the impossible with them. Directed by Siddharth Malhotra, ‘Hichki’ is a heartwarming tale of imperfect people finding perfect relationships, and a teacher never giving up.

‘Iqbal’

Making the impossible possible is one of the many talents of a teacher, and a similar scenario plays out in Nagesh Kukunoor’s ‘Iqbal’. A coming-of-age film bearing Kukunoor’s signature treatment, it revolves around a deaf and mute village boy Iqbal, played convincingly by Shreyas Talpade, who overcomes various hurdles to fulfil his dream of playing for the Indian national cricket team. His dream would never become a reality had it not been for the supportive coach Mohit, played emphatically by Naseeruddin Shah, who made sure to meticulously guide the boy and never let him give up. A sports drama with just the right amount of emotion and joy, ‘Iqbal’ is a must-watch.

‘Shakuntala Devi’

Vidya Balan was seen playing the lead role of the ‘human computer’ who won the Guinness World Record in 1982 with her ability to solve the most complex equations in a matter of seconds. Shakuntala Devi also proved the computer, wrong. With the film being released on OTT, it brought the story of the unsung hero who pinned India on the global map with her talent and skills. Definitely one of the great teachers for millions of young mathematicians across India, and even the world.

‘Dangal’

Based on another real-life story on how a father did everything to make his daughters the best wrestlers in the country and across the globe. The father used his knowledge and his mastery in the art of wrestling, teaching his daughters which resulted in making them shine through the odds.

‘Super 30’

Another film based on a real-life hero. Anand Kumar, who with his knowledge in the field of Maths, and his mastery over the subjects helped shape up the lives of many. He used it for training the underprivileged children and getting them into IIT on the basis of merit. The Hrithik Roshan starrer biopic was highly appreciated by all. Hrithik was exceptional in the movie.

‘Jhund’

A story based on a real-life hero named Vijay Barse who made it big in the field of football. He started a team named Slum Soccer and with his team, made it big in the world of football. The lead role of Vijay Barse is going to be essayed by Amitabh Bachchan.

‘Maidaan’

Ajay Devgn will be seen essaying the lead role and is all about the golden era of Indian football from the year 1952-1962. Keerthy Suresh will also be seen making her Hindi film debut. More details are yet to be revealed.

Taare Zameen Par

That this one made the list should come as no surprise, as Ram Shankar Nikumbh set the bar high for an ideal and sensitive teacher in our hearts. Darsheel Safari’s disarming smile as the mischievously endearing Ishaan has been imprinted in many minds, and the soundtrack along with it isn’t far behind as a definite tear-jerker. Directed by Aamir Khan and Amole Gupte, ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is about eight-year-old Ishaan suffering from dyslexia, and worse, nobody being able to diagnose it. As he struggles to cope with academics and is confused as a “slacker”, a new art teacher (Nikumbh) recognises his issues and comes to his aid. With remedial techniques and a whole lot of patience, Ishaan begins to steadily improve his basic reading and writing skills. Their relationship builds over time, and Ishaan discovers not just cleaner handwriting but a source of love and support in his teacher. Make sure tissues are nearby before Ishaan’s painting is revealed at the end!

Stanley Ka Dabba

Often touted to be a directorial treat for the heart as well as the stomach, ‘Stanley Ka Dabba’ is an exemplary example of effectively simple storytelling. Directed, written and produced by Amole Gupte, and starring his son Partho Gupte as the endearing Stanley, this film is unexpected and heartwarming, leaving viewers from all age groups with a lot to think about. Set in a local school, Stanley is singled out for not carrying his lunchbox to school by a greedy school teacher known for eating from children’s tiffin boxes. When a starving Stanley is included in lunch parties with his friends, this teacher warns him that he can only attend school if he carries lunch. A curious journey that unfolds gradually, aided by fantastic performances by young and adult cast alike, ‘Stanley Ka Dabba’ is a unique story told beautifully.

We wish you all a very Happy Teacher’s Day.

Also Read: Teacher’s Day 2020: TV Celebs share fond memories about their gurus